Several questions about syphilis?
Hello doctor, in October 2016, I went for an HIV and syphilis screening with my boyfriend.
The test results showed that one of my values was positive.
After inquiring, the doctor said this indicated a past syphilis infection that had been treated.
However, I have never had any symptoms of syphilis or received any treatment throughout my life, so I am unsure where the doctor got the information that this data indicates a past infection.
At that time, the doctor prescribed a dose of penicillin, stating that after the injection, I would be cured and not to worry.
I asked the doctor why I tested positive despite having no symptoms, and the doctor mentioned that I might have latent syphilis, and that it could be cured with just one dose of treatment.
Later, in November 2016, I had another blood test and the result was still positive, with a titer of 1:4, which the doctor said is a normal value, indicating that a positive reaction can persist even after treatment.
I would like to ask, after receiving penicillin, how can I know if I am no longer infectious? Can latent syphilis recur and remain infectious after receiving penicillin? In this situation, can I still cook and eat with others? Is there a risk of transmitting the infection while cooking?
VFM, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/25
Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Part of the follow-up after syphilis treatment involves blood tests.
It is possible that your blood test results indicate a past syphilis infection that has been treated.
This phenomenon occurs because medical care is easily accessible now; sometimes, when patients present with a cough or fever, physicians may prescribe antibiotics, some of which can effectively treat syphilis.
Therefore, you may not have been suspected of having syphilis due to the absence of symptoms, yet you received effective medication, leading to this result.
1) After receiving penicillin, how can one know if they are no longer infectious? (Regular check-ups for the first three months, and if stable after about a year, you can switch to annual testing.
An increase in titers indicates a potential issue.)
2) After receiving penicillin for latent syphilis, can it recur and remain infectious? (If stable and titers are within a safe range, there is no infectious risk; however, an increase may indicate a possibility.)
3) If you are a chef, I am not sure if routine health checks in the food industry include this test.
However, general cooking practices should be safe (syphilis transmission primarily occurs through sexual contact).
4) Since you have had syphilis, it is important to also be aware of other sexually transmitted infections.
Reply Date: 2017/02/25
More Info
Understanding syphilis, particularly in the context of your situation, requires a comprehensive look at the disease's diagnosis, treatment, and transmission risks. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can present in several stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary, each with distinct symptoms and implications.
From your description, it seems you had a positive syphilis test in 2016, which your doctor indicated was likely due to a past infection that had been treated. This situation is not uncommon. Many individuals may test positive for syphilis antibodies even after successful treatment, as the antibodies can remain in the bloodstream for years. This is particularly true for those who may have had an asymptomatic infection, which is often referred to as latent syphilis.
The treatment for syphilis, particularly in its early stages, typically involves a single dose of benzathine penicillin G. For latent syphilis, the treatment may require additional doses depending on the duration of the infection. After receiving treatment, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider to monitor your antibody levels. A decline in these levels over time can indicate that the treatment was effective.
Regarding your concerns about being non-infectious after treatment, once you have completed the appropriate course of antibiotics, you are generally no longer considered contagious. However, it is essential to have follow-up blood tests to confirm that the treatment has worked and that your antibody levels are decreasing.
As for the possibility of reinfection, it is important to understand that while treatment clears the infection, it does not provide immunity against future infections. Therefore, practicing safe sex and regular STI screenings are vital for ongoing sexual health.
In terms of daily activities, such as cooking and sharing meals, there is no risk of transmitting syphilis through casual contact, including food preparation or sharing utensils. Syphilis is primarily transmitted through direct sexual contact with an infected person. Therefore, you can safely engage in these activities without concern for spreading the infection.
If you have further questions about your health status or treatment, it is advisable to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history and current health status. Additionally, if you experience any new symptoms or have concerns about your sexual health, do not hesitate to seek medical advice.
In summary, while a positive syphilis test can be concerning, understanding the nature of the infection, the implications of past infections, and the effectiveness of treatment can help alleviate anxiety. Regular follow-ups and safe practices are key to maintaining your health and preventing future infections.
Similar Q&A
Understanding Syphilis: Transmission Risks and Fertility Concerns
Hello, I would like to ask you. After a syphilis patient undergoes penicillin treatment, are they still infectious? Is kissing also a mode of transmission? I want to conceive, but I am worried about passing this on to the next generation, and it is troubling me...
Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology
After treatment for syphilis, it is essential to have regular blood tests to ensure that the specific serological markers for syphilis are decreasing, indicating safety. Syphilis can be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids during intimate relations, and pregnant women w...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis: Transmission Risks and Fertility Concerns
Understanding Syphilis: Concerns, Transmission, and Treatment Explained
I previously had symptoms that resembled primary syphilis (chancre) on my nipple, which caused me concern. I went to the hospital for a confidential check-up, and I have never engaged in any high-risk sexual behavior (always used condoms and never had unprotected sex). Since I al...
Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Anonymous: Hello. 1. Body fluids may be infectious, especially blood. Oral mucosal lesions may occur. 2. Two weeks of treatment? Generally, penicillin is recommended for three weeks for better efficacy. You can look for other hospitals that have applied for special permission to ...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis: Concerns, Transmission, and Treatment Explained
Understanding Syphilis: Treatment, Testing, and Transmission Concerns
Hello Doctor: Three to four months ago, I had a skin tear on my glans and visited a clinic, initially thinking it was balanitis. After a week of treatment with no improvement, I returned to the clinic. This time, the doctor suspected the presence of primary syphilis symptoms, spe...
Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology
Appropriate penicillin treatment can reduce the infectivity of patients within 24 to 48 hours. What you are referring to is likely the VDRL test, which is used to monitor the activity of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment. It is best to compare results from the same t...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis: Treatment, Testing, and Transmission Concerns
Understanding Syphilis: Transmission, Risks, and Treatment Options
Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you some questions regarding syphilis. 1. If I had sexual intercourse with someone who has syphilis a year ago and have not had any sexual contact with her since, can I still contract syphilis after a year? 2. How long can the syphilis bact...
Dr. Chen Xiuyi reply Urology
Hello: 1. Sexual intercourse and other close sexual contacts are the primary routes of transmission, with direct contact with secretions, bodily fluids, and other excretions (such as saliva, semen, blood, and vaginal secretions) from skin or mucosal lesions being the most infecti...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis: Transmission, Risks, and Treatment Options
Related FAQ
Syphilis
(Urology)
Syphilis Infection(Urology)
Std Transmission(Urology)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases(Urology)
Risk Of Sexually Transmitted Infections(Urology)
Syphilis(Internal Medicine)
Chlamydia Treatment(Urology)
Genital Warts Transmission(Urology)
Phimosis(Urology)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus(Urology)