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Do The Following Lab Test Reports Indicate Syphilis?

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Posted on Thu, 1 Jun 2017
Question: Hello I have a positive diagnoses of syphilis. I took the RPR which came back negative then I took the TP-PA which also came back negative. Is this a positive or negative diagnoses of syphilis??
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Negative diagnoses of syphilis!

Detailed Answer:
Hello! I have been through your question.

Based on your lab data ( RPR-negative and TP-PA negative) I think that you shouldn't worry because you don't have syphilis in this moment.

I hope my answer helps you.
Feel free to ask me further.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (2 hours later)
Thanks so much. So why did the Syphilis Ig/IgM w/ Reflex which was the original test come back positive??


Then the RPR and the TP-PA were taken which came back negative..
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please see the detailed answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello! Thank you writing back in healthcaremagic.

You should know that since treponemal tests may remain active for life in adequately treated patients, a positive syphilis IGG/ IGM indicates exposure
to syphilis and it does not indicate untreated syphilis.
Furthermore a positive syphilis IGG/ IGM with a negative RPR and TPPA is most likely a false positive T PALLIDUM IGG/ IGM result. If your clinical data suggest for a risk for syphilis then syphilis IGG/ IGM should be repeated in 3-4 weeks.

I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (16 minutes later)
Thanks very much for your responses.
I have another question. In the past all of my syphilis exams have been negative. This is the first exam to be a false positive. Can this be due to me having arthritis?? My doctor thinks I should get treatment anyway to be safe. Please tell me your opinion. I have mad up my mom no to get retested.


I have made up my mind to get retested.

Thanks for your help.

tt
Can a false positive be due to arthritis??
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (19 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please see the detailed answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello! Thank you writing back in healthcaremagic.
I am sorry for my late response.

Yes it is known that exist false-positive tests for syphilis in many conditions other than syphilis, such as viral infections or autoimmune diseases( like you have).

In your case I suggest to get retested and I think there is no need for treatment.
But this is my opinion and you should meet an ID specialist to do as well a physical examination to exclude some symptoms of syphilis.

I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (27 minutes later)
Thank you so much. You have help me very much. My doctor referred me to an ID clinic and I will get retested ASAP.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you writing back.

You are welcome.
I wish you a good health.
Regards.
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Monika Dede

Infectious Diseases Specialist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1005 Questions

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Do The Following Lab Test Reports Indicate Syphilis?

Brief Answer: Negative diagnoses of syphilis! Detailed Answer: Hello! I have been through your question. Based on your lab data ( RPR-negative and TP-PA negative) I think that you shouldn't worry because you don't have syphilis in this moment. I hope my answer helps you. Feel free to ask me further. Regards.