False positive nontreponemal serological test for syphilis are seen in -a) HIV infectionb) Collagen disordersc) Paediatric age groupd) Tuberculosise) Chronic liver disease

**Core Concept**
False positive nontreponemal serological tests for syphilis occur due to cross-reacting antibodies or substances that mimic the treponemal antigen, leading to a false diagnosis. Nontreponemal tests, such as the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test, detect antibodies against the lipoidal material released from damaged host cells during the infection process.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Option E, Chronic liver disease, can lead to false positive nontreponemal serological tests for syphilis due to the presence of circulating substances such as lipoproteins and other endogenous antigens that can react with the VDRL test reagents. This is because the liver is responsible for detoxifying substances, and in the case of liver disease, these substances can accumulate and lead to false positive results. Additionally, liver disease can also lead to the production of abnormal lipoproteins that can cross-react with the VDRL test.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** HIV infection is not typically associated with false positive nontreponemal serological tests for syphilis. While HIV can lead to changes in the immune system, it does not directly cause the production of substances that would lead to false positive results in nontreponemal tests.

**Option B:** Collagen disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can lead to false positive treponemal tests, not nontreponemal tests. Treponemal tests detect antibodies against the treponema itself, whereas nontreponemal tests detect antibodies against the lipoidal material released from damaged host cells.

**Option C:** The pediatric age group is not typically associated with false positive nontreponemal serological tests for syphilis. While children can be infected with syphilis, the false positive rate is not significantly higher in this age group compared to adults.

**Option D:** Tuberculosis is not typically associated with false positive nontreponemal serological tests for syphilis. While tuberculosis can lead to changes in the immune system, it does not directly cause the production of substances that would lead to false positive results in nontreponemal tests.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When interpreting nontreponemal serological tests for syphilis, it is essential to consider the clinical context and potential false positive causes, such as chronic liver disease. A confirmatory treponemal test should always be performed to rule out syphilis.

**Correct Answer: E. Chronic liver disease.