[Question #12700] RPR After 1 Year
6 months ago
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I had cunnilingus unprotected with woman I don’t know. Only symptoms I felt were 11 months later with white lesion on bottom of tongue and white patchy tongue. RPR test 13 months post possible infection was non reactive from Quest Lab. Is it possible to be nonreactive due to latent stage but still have an infection that was untreated?
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
6 months ago
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Welcome. Thank you for your confidence in our forum.
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Cunnilingus is very safe sex -- with low to zero risk for any and all STIs, even if either partner is infected. That is, STIs rarely are transmitted from the vaginal area to the mouth, or vice versa. And no STI causes "white lesions" or "white patchy tongue". Most likely you have a garden-variety coated tongue, which goes along with innumerable minor medical conditions, like common colds. Your negative RPR proves you don't have syphilis; all syphilis blood tests remain reactive during latent infection. (The very definition of latent syphilis is occurrence of a positive blood test in absence of symptoms.) You can be sure you do not have syphilis of any stage. I don't advise any other STD testing either. Keep working with your regular health care provider if your oral symptoms continue, but don't worry about STIs.
I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.
HHH, MD
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5 months ago
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Thank you for the reply. I have another unrelated question. I had routine labs recently and my ALT (liver enzymes) were elevated. My PC has ordered Hep tests. My labs were normal 6 months ago. How likely would elevated liver enzymes be from Hep infection 14 months ago if my labs were normal 6 months ago?
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
5 months ago
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Elevated liver enzymes have many causes. Viral hepatitis is only one possibility. This has nothing to do with the cunnilingus event. You'll need to discuss the possible causes with your personal physician, preferably the one who ordered the liver enzyme tests.---
5 months ago
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Not a new question, just wanted to say thanks. I’ve been working with my primary care but I like to feel prepared with info before my appointments. I had an ultrasound and liver looked normal, but I do have gallstones. I’ll follow through with the blood work for hepatitis, but I’m guessing gallstones and normal liver function means most likely not hepatitis causing elevated liver enzymes
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
5 months ago
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Thanks for the follow-up information. I agree your gallstones are the likely explanation of your mildly abnormal liver functions tests, and not viral hepatitis. 'm glad the forum has helped. Best wishes and stay safe.---