[Question #12196] Syphilis Window period
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9 months ago
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i had a possible exposure, sex but condom failed. i suspect i caught syphilis, i didnt see the chancre, i only started noticing body rashes that look like scratches 6 weeks after exposure . got tested for all stds on the 6th and 8 weeks post exposure all came out negative. blood drawn from the vein TP test and 4 th gen hiv test.
my question is ,
(1) how long does syphilis take to show in a blood test after exposure?
(2)how reliable is an 8th week negative syphilis TP antibody test?
(3) i have symptoms like fever and fatigue as well the body rashes and some dark spots in my palms, why is the test coming back negative?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
9 months ago
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Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your questions. I can tell you with complete confidence that you did not get syphilis from the encounter you describe above. Blood tests for syphilis are always positive when there is a syphilis rash present- always!! In addition, in response to your specific questions:
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(1) how long does syphilis take to show in a blood test after exposure?
Syphilis blood tests can become positive as soon as 10 days after acquiring the infection and on average it takes about 21 days for symptoms to appear and tests to become positive. Tests always become positive within 6 weeks of acquiring infection.
(2)how reliable is an 8th week negative syphilis TP antibody test?
Completely reliable (your 8 week results show that yuo did not acquire syphilis (or HIV)
(3) i have symptoms like fever and fatigue as well the body rashes and some dark spots in my palms, why is the test coming back negative?
Your symptoms are due to something other than syphilis or, for that matter, other STIs
I hope this information is helpful. If your symptoms continue to trouble you I would suggest working with your doctor to look for other, non-STI causes. EWH
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9 months ago
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thank for the response, just a few things though
(1) what are the odds of the syphilis test being neg at 8 weeks turn positive later
(2) do i need to test again for hiv or syphilis or the 8 week result is conclusive? a lot of online infor says three months though.
(3) can i continue my life with no fear of the stis , am i clear with the 8th week result?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
9 months ago
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These questions basically ask us to repeat what has already been said:
(1) what are the odds of the syphilis test being neg at 8 weeks turn positive later
Zero- that's what "completely reliable" means above.
(2) do i need to test again for hiv or syphilis or the 8 week result is conclusive? a lot of online infor says three months though.
As I said- "...your 8 week results show that you did not acquire syphilis (or HIV)." There is no need for additional testing. Information on the internet is often misleading. That's why we counsel clients not to seek information on the internet.
(3) can i continue my life with no fear of the stis , am i clear with the 8th week result?
Yes
EWH
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9 months ago
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thank for your response. So in my case i just wanted facts based on medical studies not reassurence or something to soothe anxiety. i need you as an expert to guide me and tell me facts
(1) according to what you said earlier on , 8 weeks syphilis antibody test negative even if with fever, fatigue body rashes and sole palm dark spots/rash is conclusive right? would you please clarify as those seem to be clear symtoms of syphilis though its negative 8 weeks post exposure
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
9 months ago
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"According to what I said " reflects that I have published over 50 peer-reviewed papers on syphilis and written the chapters on this disease in several major medical text books, as well as advising both the CDC and WHO on their recommendations for syphilis management. My own research, as well as test books and research by others ALL AGREE that syphilis blood tests are ALWAYS positive when the disease is in the secondary stage. The symptoms of secondary syphilis include rashes nd fatigue. In fact. fatigue is NOT a typical symptom of syphilis.
My assessment has not and will not change. If you are getting information over the internet, you are being mislead. EWH
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9 months ago
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thank you, but are there no cases where it takes longer to turn positive even if you have symptoms ? they say antibodies sometimes take time to show in a test, not knowing how much time though. I am just trying to get a right diagnosis and map a way forward with my health. so given all the infor i gave you , as an expert what do you suggest i do and i will do exactly that.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
9 months ago
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This will be the final response to your repetitive questions. Antibodies typically begin to be formed within 2 weeks of infection. As I have already explained to you- twice- that when rashes are due to syphilis tests (which detect antibodies) are ALWAYS positive. The way forward is to give up on your misperception that you have syphilis and figure out what is going on Repeating your questions will not accomplish that. You need to do is see a doctor who can help you to find out what is really going on. IT IS NOT SYPHILIS !!!!
This completes this thread. Please do not return with additional repetitive questions. The answers will not change. EWH
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