The Syphilis is known to be a disease which is caused by your bacteria, which is called the Treponema Pallidum. Most often than not, it becomes a difficulty in diagnosing this disease.
The Syphilis is known to be a disease which is caused by your bacteria, which is called the Treponema Pallidum. Most often than not, it becomes a difficulty in diagnosing this disease. It is seen that it causes any damage to the body systems over a certain point of time.
Untreated Syphilis can cause major damage to important organs, such as the heart and the brain.
What is Syphilis?
The Syphilis is a highly contagious disease which is mostly seen to spread through any of the sexual activities, this is also includes oral and anal sex. An infected individual would also often suffer from the disease and has the ability to passes it on to their respective sexual partner.
To understand what it is, we would have to understand the Syphilis which is seen to develop in various stages. Your symptoms become different with different stages. But your stages have the potential to overlap.
The symptoms will never be in the same order system. It could be due to the infection with the STD or sexually transmitted diseases, that too, sometimes without symptoms.
What are the Stages of Syphilis?
Primary syphilis
The very first symptom of the syphilis disease is known to be the small sore, which is called the chancre.
Your sore is often known to be painless in nature. It appears to be at your spot where your bacteria could enter your body. Most of the people suffering from syphilis would only develop one chancre. Only some people get more than one.
Secondary Syphilis
This stage of syphilis is characterized by the rash while your first chancre might heal or it also seem to develop few weeks after it is able to heals.
This rash is caused by syphilis and this stage has the following syphilis features:
- Not Itchy rash
- Rough rash
- Red or Reddish-Brown rash
The other remaining symptoms experienced by the individual are as follows:
- Tiredness
- Faint Color
- Fatigue
- Wart like Sores (mouth and genital area)
- Hair Loss
- Weight Loss
- Muscle Aches
- Fever
- Sore Throat
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
Latent Syphilis
In general, if one has not been treated for your syphilis disease, your disease moves from your secondary stage leading to latent stage. This is known as the hidden stage because you don’t have any symptoms. Your latent stage could also be for many years. These symptoms will not reappear.
Tertiary Syphilis
After latent stage, your 30% to around 40% of people suffering from syphilis will not get any treatment that comes with complications; this is referred to as tertiary syphilis. In my cases, it may also be referred to as late syphilis.
This disease may damage the:
- Brain
- Liver
- Nerves
- Eyes
- Heart
- Blood vessels
- Bones
- Joints
Congenital Syphilis
The Congenital syphilis is generally affected during the pregnancy period or during the birth. It is seen that around two-thirds of the syphilitic infants that are born without any symptoms
The Common symptoms that are seen to develop over first couple of years of a person’s life include the following:
- Enlargement of your liver
- Enlargement of your spleen
- Rash
- Fever
- Neurosyphilis
- Lung inflammation
What is the route of Transmission?
The Syphilis is generally transmitted primarily by your sexual contact or during the period of your pregnancy which is communicable from a mother to her baby.
It is also transmissible by the individual who ends up kissing near the affected lesion, or any form of sexual contact
It is approximately 30% to 60% of those exposed to primary or secondary syphilis will get the disease. The infectivity is usually exemplified by any fact that if an individual inoculated with around 57 organisms, and you can have a 50% chance of being infected.
What are the risk factors of Syphilis?
There are a number of risk factors for the spread of your Syphilis. This includes as follows:
- Multiple Sexual Partners
- Unprotected Sexual Contact
- HIV Infection
- Gonorrhea
- Men To Men Sexual Contact
How is Syphilis Diagnosed?
It can be difficult to diagnose your Syphilis disease.
Modes of detection: Either via blood tests or direct visual inspection using dark field microscopy.
Screening Tests
- Rapid plasma reagin (RPR), which is a blood test.
- Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test: This is done either on your blood sample or your spinal fluid.
False Positives: There could even be false positives in your disease such as:
- Lymphoma
- Tuberculosis
- Malaria
- Endocarditis
- Connective Tissue Disease
- Pregnancy
Direct Testing
In case of the dark field microscopy of serous fluid which is after a chancre helps in making an immediate diagnosis.
The hospitals in general always possess the equipment or experienced staff members, and the testing must be established within a period of 10 minutes of acquiring the sample.
Your tests which are as follows: Direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests.
CSF Testing
If the doctor or any healthcare professional that suspects that there is a nervous system issue because of tertiary syphilis. This could be responsible for the following: lumbar puncture, or spinal tap. During this procedure, the spinal fluid would be collected to check for Treponema Palladium, bacteria for syphilis.
Guidelines to follow before, during and after the Syphilis Testing
Here are some guidelines an individual can refer to once they have decided to undergo Syphilis tests in Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center
The required documents needed for this test includes your valid government ID and an appropriate Doctor’s prescription.
A. Before the Test
The preparation for multiple tests for Syphilis testing may require some preparation ahead.
Usually, Fasting is not required before the test. But, it is recommended to consult your doctor before undergoing Syphilis Tests.
B. During the Test
During the blood test, the doctor would take the blood sample from the vein in your arm, using the small needle.
Then, a small amount of blood would be drawn and collected into the corresponding test tube or the vial.
You might feel a little sting when the needle pricks or while it is being removed. This would usually take less than even five minutes.
C. After the Test
There would be slight tenderness at the injection site without any major concern. This patient is expected to get back to their daily life immediately.
For Free Consultation from the Doctor
Contact- Dr. Ravin Sharma, (MBBS, MD in Radiology)
Available: 24*7*365
Phone Number: +919212125996
Why should Ganesh diagnostic and Imaging Centre be your preference for getting Syphilis Test done?
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades. Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
It is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations.
NABH accreditation is proof of highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
Test report is available digitally too.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
Patients can rely upon test reports as reports are 100% accurate.
The cost of the Syphilis in Delhi, at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center are as follows.
The Tests that are conducted at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center are as follows:
- Syphilis
- Syphilis Comprehensive Panel
- Syphilis Serology
- VDRL
- VDRL (CSF)
- VDRL Quantitative
- Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) VDRL Titer
- Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) VDRL Qualitative
Cost of Syphilis Tests in Delhi
The Serum Blood Tests vary by region and facility. So constantly get tested at trustworthy diagnostic centers like Ganesh Diagnostic. It is staffed by trained and experienced professionals to assure patient and visitor safety.
There are multiple tests that are done to monitor any Hormonal issues leading to Syphilis Tests
So get your Syphilis Tests done your nearest Ganesh Diagnostic Center.
Book Your Online Test and Get Early Appointment
Ganesh Diagnostic Center promotes great care and concern for patients.
It is our utmost duty to allow a speedy diagnosis and hope that in future, your treatment is done at the earliest.
Thus, we recommend you to book an appointment with us today and book your online blood test for any specific disease, disorder and discomfort.
Avail our digital support system and establish a long lasting relationship with Ganesh Diagnostic Center near you today. Book Now!
Note from Ganesh Diagnostic & Imaging Center
Early checkups are always better than delayed ones. Safety, precaution and care are depicted in the several health checkups at our center.
Here, at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imagining Center, we present simple and comprehensive health packages for any kind of testing to ensure the early prescribed treatment to safeguard your health.
So, visit us at the earliest to ensure good health and to maintain an active immune system
Differential Diagnosis of Secondary Syphilis
The Secondary syphilis many-a-times, could show symptoms of other diseases.
This is as follows:
- Pityriasis Rosea
- Psoriasis
- Lichen Planus
Testing for syphilis at home
The syphilis test comes with an at-home testing kit. Moreover, if it is either positive or the negative, this would also be followed up with any of the doctor’s appointment.
There are also several at-home syphilis tests that are in the pharmacy shops available. If there is an increased risk of contracting the syphilis disease, it is important to also regularly get tested at home and this would be beneficial.
How do you Prevent Syphilis Spread and Transmission?
- Vaccination
- Protected Sexual Contact
- Monitor the Congenital Diseases
Note: It is seen that from the year 2018, there has been no vaccine that is effective for the prevention of Syphilis.
However, if several of the vaccines are based on the treponemal proteins, this reduces the lesion development in the individuals.
For Babies
The babies are seen to contract the syphilis disease, if there is an untreated infection of the mother. This is also called as the congenital syphilis.
Most often, your Syphilis could be transmitted through the blood transfusions; however, it is seen to be extraordinarily rare
The Congenital syphilis is seen in the newborn and this can be prevented by screening your mothers during any early pregnancy years and treating those who are infected.
There are several measures that are undertaken to increase your access to testing and this appears to be effective at reduction of the rates of the congenital syphilis in your low- to middle-income countries
Note: Your Point-of-care of the testing is to also detect the syphilis which has appeared being reliable, although there is more research needed to assess its effectiveness and for improving any possible outcomes in mothers and the babies
Treatment of Syphilis
- Early infections
Any first-line treatment for your uncomplicated syphilis (for ex. primary or secondary stages). This becomes remains the single dose of your intramuscular benzathine benzylpenicillin
- Late infections
For the disease being neurosyphilis, this is because of the poor penetration of benzathine penicillin into your CNS or central nervous system, and those which have been affected are also given around large doses of the IV or intravenous Penicillin G for duration of 10 days (min).
What is Jarish Herxheimer?
One of your potential side effects of any treatment is known to be: Jarisch–Herxheimer Reaction
It is most frequently from one hour and then it lasts for the next 24 hours, with your symptoms such as
- Fever
- Muscle Pains
- Headache
- Fast Heart Rate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why should I get tested?
If there are cases of untreated syphilis infection, this can lead to serious health outcomes and in some cases, even death.
Even if there are currently symptoms of the patient, you should get tested regularly for the syphilis and this will be important part of the sexual health management.
Is there a cure for syphilis?
Your Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics, but there also have damage done to the body might be irreversible, thus, get tested at a regular basis.
How long is a VDRL test valid for?
The Abnormal WBC and the protein level in your CSF should be able to decrease by a period of 6 months if there are any existing CNS infections but CSF-VDRL test this results can be followed up for 2 years.
What is the normal range of the VDRL test?
The negative test rest of your blood test is considered to be normal. Indicating that no antibodies pertaining to syphilis are identified in the blood sample. The screening test is would be positive in the next secondary and in the latent stages of syphilis.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the RPR test compared to the VDRL test?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test. This is a mainstay for the neurosyphilis diagnosis, but it would lack any diagnostic sensitivity which becomes logistically complicated.
Your Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test is much easier to perform, but also the appropriateness for its use with the CSF is considered to be controversial.
