Treponema pallidum antibodies (syphilis)

• Read the instructions on how to give a blood sample HERE.

• The results will be displayed in minu.synlab.ee and terviseportaal.ee.
• A positive test result indicates that there is the infectious agent present in the sample material, and you need to make an appointment with an infectious disease specialist or dermatovenerologist who will prescribe relevant treatment.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum, which affects the entire body. It is characterised by alternating symptomatic and asymptomatic periods.

The test result shows if you have Treponema pallidum antibodies.

Those infected may not develop any symptoms, which leads to a high risk of complications later on, if left untreated. The disease is mainly transferred sexually, but also through contaminated instruments and blood, transplacentally or during labour from mother to child; in rare cases also through domestic environment.

Syphilis can be acquired or congenital. There are two types of acquired syphilis – primary and secondary syphilis.

Testing is indicated for:

• Screening (e.g., blood donors, pregnant women)
• Suspected syphilis, including early neurosyphilis (otitis, uveitis, meningitis with unexplained aetiology)
• Close contacts of infected persons
• Persons with an increased risk
  • Persons with an initial diagnosis of another sexually transmitted disease
  • HIV positive persons
  • HBV, HCV positive persons
  • Persons whose sexual behaviour places them at a higher risk of infection

Initial positive and borderline results of the Treponema pallidum antibodies test will be confirmed by further testing.