TPHA positiv VDRL negativ

[leeroy301]

So I just got my test results back and my doc seemed to be confused himself...so i thought I might double check:

Lues IgM AB test ->negative
TPHA ->positiv 1:2560
FTA-abs ->positiv
VDRL ->negative

The thing is: I've never had any symptoms nor have I been treated for syphilis before. Also being a teenager I haven't been sexually active for longer than 3 years so I might exclude Syphilis Stage 3.

Thanks for any advice.

[andlim]

Hi leeroy301,

This is an interesting post. In fact, situation like this is rare (Negative VDRL and Positive TPHA), but I have seen posts like this in STDs Expert Forum.
As I remember from a post replied by Dr. Hook (Expert from STDs forum), syphilis diagnosis is considered positive when both Non-treponemal (VDRL, RPR) and Treponemal tests (TPHA, FTA-abs) are positive. Both tests can give false positive results, although they are rare.
One thing that has been quite different from what I have known or heard before is that you did have 2 Treponemal Tests that give positive results...TPHA and FTA-abs. But, at the same time you never had syphilis or syphilis treatment (as what you have described).
The highest possibility of this could be both tests are false positive. I agree with Vance. But work with your doctor on this.
And, if small amount of money (USD 20) is not a problem, I would really suggest you to post a question in STDs Expert Forum: http://www.medhelp.org/forums/STDs/show/116. This forum is moderated by Dr. Handsfield and Dr. Hook, HIV and STDs experts, which I think they can help you to put insights on your situation here.

[Vance2335]

That low number of 1:2 might just be a false positive