Syphilis
Infection with Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum
A sexually transmitted bacterial infection that progresses through stages if untreated and can pass to a fetus during pregnancy; it is curable with antibiotics.
Overview
EXPLORE BY LEVELSyphilis is a bacterial infection spread mostly through sexual contact. It is cured with antibiotics. Blood tests look for Proteins made by B-cell descendants that bind particular molecular targets. Binding does not by itself prove that an antibody neutralizes its target. to the bacterium.
Quick Facts
AT A GLANCEFollow the Connections
See how Syphilis links to other biological records.
All 2 Structured Connections
Recommended Reading
Trusted references for learning more about Syphilis.
Research Claims
Serologic diagnosis requires both test classes because each alone has limits. Nontreponemal titers are used to monitor treatment response; treponemal reactivity persists in most patients regardless of treatment or activity.
Treponemal antibody tests usually remain reactive for life, even after adequate treatment, so a reactive treponemal test alone does not show current disease activity.