also known as Treponema pallidum in Specimen by Immunofluorescence
Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum, a sensitive infection that is easiest to treat when caught early. Our Treponema-specific Syphilis Test uses advanced technology to detect antibodies your immune system produces in response to this bacterium. Whether you're concerned about a recent exposure or staying on top of your sexual health, this test gives you clear, dependable answers. How Our Syphilis Test Works: When your body encounters Treponema pallidum, it creates antibodies that stay in your system long-term. The presence of these antibodies is a highly reliable indicator that you currently have, or at some point have had, a syphilis infection. Because these antibodies can remain for life, this test may continue to show positive results even after successful treatment. That stability is one reason this test is widely used as a confirmation method for syphilis diagnosis. This test gives you a complete picture of your syphilis history as it looks for a previous exposure, not just an active infection. This Treponema Test vs. An RPR Test: Which one should you choose? Two types of tests are commonly used to evaluate syphilis: Treponemal tests (like this one) Non-treponemal tests, such as the RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) test Both serve important roles, but they offer different advantages. Here’s why many patients benefit from choosing the Treponema Pallidum Antibody Test. 1. Higher Accuracy and Fewer False Results: The Treponema-specific test detects antibodies that target the actual syphilis bacterium, making it far more precise. Treponema Test: Highly specific, very low chance of false positives or negatives RPR: Can show false positives due to pregnancy, autoimmune conditions, recent vaccinations, or other infections 2. Detects Syphilis at All Stages: RPR results depend on how active the infection is and may miss cases in early or late stages. Treponema Test: Detects antibodies even in early, late, or previously treated stages RPR: Best for active infections, not for past infections 3. Clearer Answers: The Treponema antibody test offers straightforward interpretation where the RPR test requires more interpretation and can fluctuate depending on health factors. Positive Treponema antibody test = You have had syphilis at some point (past or present)Negative Treponema antibody test = You have never been infected with syphilis 4. More Stable and Reliable Results: Treponema antibodies remain stable over time, giving you consistent, dependable results even in borderline situations. RPR levels rise and fall depending on infection stage, immune response, and treatment, which can complicate interpretation. 5. The Gold Standard for Confirming Syphilis. Healthcare providers often recommend screening with a non-treponemal test like RPR first, then confirming those results with a Treponema-specific test. That’s because this test is the most definitive and clinically trusted method for confirming a syphilis diagnosis. Why Syphilis Often Goes Untreated: One of the biggest dangers of syphilis is that symptoms may be: MildEasy to confuse with other conditions Completely absent Even when symptoms appear, they may disappear without treatment, giving a false sense of recovery while the infection continues to progress internally. The Three Stages of Syphilis: Primary Stage (10–90 days after exposure) A single, firm, painless sore (chancre) at the infection site Typically appears on the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat Heals without treatment, but the infection remains Secondary Stage (Weeks to months after exposure) Symptoms can come and go for months: Widespread rash, including palms and soles Mucous membrane sores Swollen lymph nodes Fever, fatigue, and headache Patchy hair loss Weight loss Vision disturbances caused by ocular syphilis Neurological changes (e.g., hearing loss, facial weakness) Secondary syphilis is highly infectious. Latent Stage After secondary symptoms fade, syphilis becomes latent: Early latent: within the first year, still transmissible Late latent: beyond one year, usually not transmissible sexually No symptoms occur in this stage, but the infection persists. Tertiary Stage (Years to decades later if untreated) Tertiary syphilis can damage multiple organs: Brain & spinal cord (neurosyphilis) Eyes (ocular syphilis) Heart & blood vessels (cardiovascular syphilis) Bones and soft tissues Complications include: Dementia-like symptoms Blindness Stroke Aortic aneurysm Paralysis Death Who Should Consider This Test? You may benefit from this test if: You've already screened using the RPR test, and need a confirmation test. You have had multiple or new sexual partners You are entering a new relationship and both partners want a comprehensive check You have had unprotected sex and want broad testing in one visit You want STD screenings without scheduling a doctor’s visit first 110% Price Guarantee! If you find the same test for a lower price from a comparable provider, contact us. We not only match the price, we beat it by an additional 10 percent of the difference. View All STD Tests