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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What are the symptoms of AIDS and syphilis?

AIDS and syphilis infections are both long-term processes. For example, a patient with primary syphilis mainly presents with a hard chancre. This can occur at locations such as the corona of the glans penis, the urinary meatus of the foreskin, the labia, the cervix, and also can be seen on the tongue, lips, breasts, and other places. At these locations, a hard chancre appears, which is painless and itchless, and presents as a round or oval, well-demarcated ulcer. The symptoms of AIDS are primarily seen in the early stages of the disease, and include fever, vomiting, fatigue, itchy skin, nodules, joint pain, and other symptoms of decreased immune function.

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Can syphilis be completely cured?

Syphilis can generally be completely cured nowadays, except neurosyphilis which is somewhat harder to treat, as ordinary syphilis is curable and neurosyphilis may relapse occasionally. However, most current cases of syphilis fall into categories of latent, primary, or secondary syphilis. Tertiary syphilis is less common, and forms such as neurosyphilis and osteal syphilis belong to this stage. Therefore, when treated at a regular hospital with a standard treatment regimen, primarily using penicillin, administered as a long-acting intramuscular injection once a week, the recommended course of treatment usually consists of three to four weeks. If there is an allergy to penicillin, doxycycline can be used as an oral substitute for half a month.

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Can third-stage syphilis be cured?

Third-stage syphilis can potentially be fatal, but this is not absolute. With proper and timely treatment, it can gradually improve. Third-stage syphilis is the most severe and latest stage of the disease, also known as late-stage syphilis. This stage often affects our skin, bones, cardiovascular system, and even the nervous system. When these systems are affected, corresponding complications can arise. If left untreated, late-stage complications can lead to death. However, if treated early, there is a possibility of cure over time.

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How long does it take to cure third-stage syphilis?

The healing time for third-stage syphilis varies from person to person. Third-stage syphilis is considered a late stage of the disease, and the situation is very serious for patients who have developed to this stage. Therefore, the duration of illness for most patients is usually very long; it could be several months or even years, which also depends on the patient's level of aggressive treatment and their own immune resistance. Additionally, it is necessary to consider complications of third-stage syphilis. If there are severe complications involving cardiovascular and nervous systems, or joint damage, recovery can be very prolonged and difficult.

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How long is the latency period for tertiary syphilis?

The latency period of tertiary syphilis is not clearly defined, but it is certain that once tertiary syphilis appears, the duration of illness in patients generally exceeds two to three years, meaning the latency period is at least two to three years long. Of course, some patients may reach five to ten years. This depends on each individual's resistance as well as the virulence and amount of the virus. Additionally, if one contracts tertiary syphilis, it is crucial to seek timely and proper treatment, as it may be life-threatening.