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What Do My Syphilis Results Showing Reducing VDRL And Positive TPHA Mean?
I was infected by syphilis, and went to doctor soon after I noticed. It was, Vdrl 1:16, Tpha -positive at first. after taking penicillin (4m later) it became vdrl- reactive 1:2, tpha positive 1:320 again 4 months later tpha positive 1:320 what do they mean? am I to take penicillin again? what is my stage? am I safe?
posted on
Tue, 28 Nov 2023
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 15 Sep 2025
Answered on
Tue, 30 Sep 2025
Last reviewed on
Hi,
You are almost cured. Not to worry. TPHA is a treponemal antigen test, once it is positive, it remains positive always, just like that of a scar of a healed wound. Fall in VDRL titer less than 4 fold is a good sign that you had been cured from syphilis. Enjoy your days safely and healthily.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan, HIV AIDS Specialist
You are almost cured. Not to worry. TPHA is a treponemal antigen test, once it is positive, it remains positive always, just like that of a scar of a healed wound. Fall in VDRL titer less than 4 fold is a good sign that you had been cured from syphilis. Enjoy your days safely and healthily.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan, HIV AIDS Specialist
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