Recently Answered Questions
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What do a reactive VDLR test and FTA-ABS test for syphilis indicate?
Query: Hello doctor, I recently took the VDLR test, which was reactive to 1:1 and non-reactive to 1:2. So I took the FTA-ABS test. The result was reactive for IgG and non-reactive for IgM. Every year I do the rapid blood tests (those that prick my finger to take a drop of blood), and they always come back ... Read Full »
Dr. Samer Samer Juma Ali Altawil
Answer: Hello, Welcome back to icliniq.com. I read your query and understand your concern. No, it would be best if you do not seek any treatment now. The serological tests showed no active disease as IgM is negative. IgG is positive because you got this infection before. It is recommended to have this test ... Read Full »
My FTA-ABS is reactive and VDRL test is non-reactive. What can be the reason?
Query: Hello doctor, I recently did an FTA-ABS test for syphilis. It showed reactive with a titer 1:1. But after a week and a half, I took a VDRL test, and it was non-reactive. Now I am confused. The doctor was not so clear while explaining the difference in the result. Kindly help. Thanks. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thanks for writing in, and I understand your concern. If FTA-ABS (fluorescent treponemal antibody test absorption) test is positive, it will remain positive for lifetime. It suggests that you have been infected with syphilis. It could have been in the past or present. ... Read Full »
What does the RPR titer of 1:2 mean?
Query: Hello doctor, This is regarding a syphilis test RPR ratio. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Please post your query. Regards. For more information consult an HIV AIDS specialist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/HIV-AIDS-specialist Read Full »
Do small lesion in anus suggesting syphilis needs immediate medical attention?
Query: Hello doctor, I have been having rashes on my hands, forearms, trunk, and feet for four weeks now. The rashes on my hands and feet have lesions. The rashes are not itchy, except for those with lesions. I also have a small wound (or sore) on my anus, which has been there for three weeks now. I beli... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Prior to the onset of rashes did you observe any lesion or wound on your penis? Or sexual encounter with someone who had such? May I ask questions about your sexual history? How many sexual partners have you had? Male or female? Are you aware of your partner's promiscu... Read Full »
I was misdiagnosed to have syphilis and had treatment. What to do?
Query: Hi doctor, I am a 24 year old male. Before a month, I visited a hospital in my hometown for pain on the penis. They conducted VDRL and TPHA test and said that the test came back as weak positive. So, it is the first stage of syphilis. They prescribed me an injection and some tablets for five days. A... Read Full »
Dr. Geetha Priyadarsini Kamminana
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. TPHA (Treponema pallidum hemagglutination) is a test to detect treponemal antibodies, which are produced by the body against the bug that causes syphilis. The point is that TPHA is known to show false positive results for some reasons and hence, any positive reaction ... Read Full »
Should I go for treponemal test three years after sexual contact?
Query: Hi doctor, I have an STD question and hope to have an STD specialist doctor to assist me. I had a sexual contact three years ago and only last month I went for (VDRL nontreponemal test) and is negative. I have read online that after several years or after sometime usually, the result can be negativ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Yes, sometimes many years after an infection with Treponema pallidum, VDRL may turn negative. TPHA (Treponema pallidum hemagglutination) or FTA ABS (fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test) would be confirmatory in that case. You may take this test. Syphilis... Read Full »