Can a routine blood test detect syphilis?

Written by Fu Ye Song

Hematology

Updated on September 16, 2024

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Syphilis is a contagious disease, and we cannot detect syphilis through routine blood tests, as these tests only measure elements such as the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood. Since syphilis is caused by an infectious agent, it cannot be detected through routine blood tests. It can only be detected by checking for antibodies using methods like ELISA immunofluorescence. Therefore, routine blood tests cannot detect syphilis.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

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How should tertiary syphilis be managed?

The treatment and management of tertiary syphilis is a challenging process since it is a late stage of the disease, affecting the skin, bones, mucous membranes, cardiovascular system, nerves, and potentially triggering diseases in various bodily systems. For managing tertiary syphilis, it is recommended to consume high-protein and high-vitamin foods such as apples, bananas, green vegetables, and radishes. It is crucial to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital and address any complications that arise, which can help in gradually managing and alleviating the condition of tertiary syphilis.

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Written by He Jing

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Is fungal vaginitis related to syphilis?

Yeast vaginitis and syphilis are unrelated. Yeast vaginitis is caused by a disruption in the vaginal environment leading to an infection with Candida albicans, resulting in increased vaginal discharge. This is accompanied by itching of the vulva and the discharge may appear like cottage cheese or have a curd-like texture. However, syphilis is caused by the infection of the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is a sexually transmitted disease characterized primarily by painless ulcers on the genitals. The treatment methods for the two are also different. Yeast vaginitis can be treated by external washing with baking soda and inserting clotrimazole vaginal suppositories, typically resolving within about a week. Treatment for syphilis, on the other hand, generally involves intravenous injections of penicillin. (Medication use should be supervised by a professional doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

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Will third-stage syphilis be asymptomatic?

In the case of third-stage syphilis, it is generally not asymptomatic, as it is already a late stage of the disease that invades multiple systems, such as the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and even the cardiovascular system. When these systems are invaded, they become damaged, leading to various complications. Therefore, third-stage syphilis typically presents with various signs of organ dysfunction, and it is unlikely to be without any symptoms once it has progressed to this stage.

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Written by Luo Hong

Dermatology Department

55sec

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Gonorrhea and syphilis symptoms

Gonorrhea infection, if in males, generally presents with significant urethral irritation including symptoms such as urethral discharge, frequent urination, urgent urination, and pain during urination. However, in females with gonorrhea, it may cause increased vaginal discharge and an unusual odor, but many women with gonorrhea do not exhibit any symptoms. As for syphilis, if it is primary syphilis, ulcers may appear on the genitals, lips, or other body parts, known as chancres. In typical secondary syphilis, pinkish-red rashes may appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, usually without itching, although rashes may also occur on the trunk and might not be itchy. Additionally, many cases of syphilis remain latent and show no clear symptoms.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

35sec

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Can third-stage syphilis be completely cured?

Third-stage syphilis and late-stage syphilis generally have a longer duration, with many cases exceeding two years. Third-stage syphilis can cause damage to the cardiovascular and nervous systems, and there may be residual symptoms after improvement. However, with persistent long-term standard treatment, it is still possible to achieve a cure. Therefore, if one contracts third-stage syphilis, it is crucial to adhere to the treatment and cooperate actively with the therapy.