Question - Testing positive for syphilis after cured?

[portace]

Hi,

I read somewhere that once you've had syphilis and have been treated, you'll still get tested positive for it even if you don't have it anymore.

I couldn't find the link again, so I'm not sure if I imagined this. Is it true?

Thanks

 

[Health Nurse]

Hi,

I read somewhere that once you've had syphilis and have been treated, you'll still get tested positive for it even if you don't have it anymore.

I couldn't find the link again, so I'm not sure if I imagined this. Is it true?

Thanks

Hi portace

Yes this information is true.

In BC we use the RPR (rapid plasma reagin) blood test to check for syphilis.

This is an antibody test. Antibodies are made by your immune system to help fight things like viruses, bacteria etc... Once your body has made antibodies they can stay at detectable levels's for the rest of your life, even though all the syphilis bacteria would be gone from the antibiotic treatment.

HN
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