I had unprotected sex with my ex girlfriend. Both of us went to sexual health clinic to test and my report shows my blood showsantibodies to syphilis what does this mean.

Hello Anonymous,
One method used to test for syphilis requires a blood sample in which antibodies can be detected.

A VDRL or venereal disease research laboratory test and a RPR or rapid plasma reagin test are done to screen for syphilis.

A FTA-ABS or fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay or TPPA are done to diagnosis syphilis.

For the blood tests that detect the antibodies that the body produces to combat infection, a positive test indicates that you have either a current or past infection. the body for years. If you have had a past infection with syphilis and were treated, your test results could still be positive.

For example, a FTA-ABS test may remain positive for life even if you have been treated. To avoid being retreated, keep a record of the previous treatment and show it to your doctor. Following treatment, syphilis antibodies should be lower and can be monitored with the titered RPR test; if they remain the same or rise, you may have a persistent infection.

Maryann