Resolved question:
When I was 30, I contracted syphilis. Now I'm 49. I was in the hospital last week. Today, my doctor called to tell me I tested positive for syphilis. In the intervening years, I've been married for 10 years and then in a mongomous relationship for six years. If I had it, I am 99 percent positive it would have to be from the first infection. My doctor is a psychiatrist, so he could not decipher all of the information sent to him and I don't know what kind of test was used. I do know I've "passed" at least one VDRL some years ago, probably more. Is it possible I still have antibodies from the first infection but that the test was a false positive? That is, it picked up the fact I once had syphilis but that since I had it treated, I don't need to worry? I will see a doctor either way, but I'm obviously freaking out. I am hoping this could just be a false alarm. Also, if the test is correct, can I take oral medication given that I'm allergic to penicillin, and what would treatment entail?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STD)Specialist
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com. I can understand your concern.
The test used for confirming syphilis like fta - abs remains positive for life even if the previous infection has been adequately treated.
Hence you need to find out what was the test done where you tested positive for syphilis.
If you are allergic to penicillin, then the infection can be treated with other antibiotics, however you need to visit your doctor for the same.
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/229461-treatment#2
This article is for your reference.
Hope this helps, please feel free to discuss further.
Take care