[Question #10022] Syphilis test result reliability

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26 months ago

I’m sorry to be back & understand if my previous questions preclude me from asking anything more. The cost of additional peace of mind is worth risking as a donation to ASHA. Both Dr. Hook & Dr. Handsfield have said my test results prove I’ve never had syphilis and therefore couldn’t have infected my spouse. I’d like to ask how my results prove this if there’s a possibility of seroreversion prior to getting tested with the test necessary to show past infection. Two things I feel I wasn’t clear about in my previous questions: 1. While I mentioned I’ve taken antibiotics in the years since my exposures, I wasn’t specific that I did also take antibiotics (5 days of 500 mg amoxicillin at 3x/day) in 2008 (exposures from 06-10) - so there’s a possibility I might’ve taken close to an exposure. 2. I didn’t have treponema-specific testing (including those from blood donations) until over 5 years after my last encounter, so outside of the 2-3 years when seroreversion can occur. How can you (or I) be confident that I didn’t acquire syphilis at some point from my many low-risk exposures, infect my spouse, serorevert from antibiotic usage, and test negative years later? Thank you. 

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Edward W. Hook M.D.
26 months ago
It saddened me to see that you continue your unwarranted obsession on the possibility that you acquired syphilis years ago and transmitted it to your partner.  You were warned, there is nothing more to be said.  There is no benefit to your "what if..." or "but..." questions.  I'll once again urge you to seek professional counseling to address your inappropriate concerns.  

This is the only reply you will receive as part of this thread.  EWH
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