My VDRL is positive with reactive TPHA result. Kindly help.

Question

Hello doctor,

In a routine VDRL test, I tested positive. We checked for HIV and syphilis. HIV was negative, while the TPH test was reactive. I underwent a therapy of penicillin two shots before ten months, one the next month and one more the following month with three weeks gap between each.

I repeated my test this year. The TPH is still reactive. I also had developed anal warts for which I am undergoing homeopathic treatment, and they have subsided considerably. I also take prophylactic treatment for HIV, so that has been protected from HIV for a while now.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. According to your statement you have recently done TPHA (treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay) test and shown reactive (1:80).

A reactive TPHA test most likely indicates infection by T.Pallidum but is not sufficient to determine disease activity and make treatment decisions. A TPHA reactive test can be seen in a patient with a syphilis history who has been treated. After infection occurs, the body produces syphilis antibodies that can be detected by blood tests like TPHA. For this reason, your TPHA has become reactive as antibodies to syphilis remain in the blood for many years after the infection has subsided. So do not be worried.