Syphilis: What is it, Stages, Diagnostic Serology & Cost, Test Lab Near You

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by the bacteria Treponema palladium (spirochete) which usually spreads through sexual contact. However, it can also be transmitted from mother to the unborn baby....

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by the bacteria Treponema palladium (spirochete) which usually spreads through sexual contact. However, it can also be transmitted from mother to the unborn baby. The incubation period of T. pallidium is 10-90 days (Average- 21 days) after which symptoms or signs of syphilis usually begin to appear.

Syphilis occurs in stages and signs and symptoms may vary with each stage. Also, T. pallidium can remain inactive in the body for years after the initial infection and reactivate when conditions are favorable for it.

Initially, syphilis presents as single painless ulcer with a clean base and firm raised border termed as hard chancre or syphilitic chancre. The ulcer is usually associated with painless lymphadenopathy. This stage is known as primary syphilis and it may be followed by other subsequent stages if not diagnosed and treated in time. Without treatment, syphilis can result in permanent damage to your brain, heart, eyes, muscles and bone.

What are the stages of syphilis?

Stage of syphilis	Findings
Primary syphilis	Hard chancre on penis or vagina. Painless lymphadenopathy
Secondary syphilis	Generalized non-itchy rash covering the entire body. Wart like sores on the genitals known as Condyloma lata. Snail track ulcers in the mouth. Generalized and diffuse painless lymphadenopathy. Hair loss in a specific pattern known as Moth-eaten alopecia.
Tertiary syphilis	Deep punched out ulcers having gum like secretions on its floor, known as Gummatous syphilis. CNS involvement CVS involvement- inflammation and aneurysm of the ascending aorta.
Latent syphilis	Asymptomatic period between secondary and tertiary syphilis. In this period only serological evidence of the infection is present.

What are the sign and symptoms of syphilis?

Sign and symptoms of syphilis may vary depending upon the stage of syphilis. Symptoms may also overlap between different stages. You may experience the following symptoms and signs:

Primary syphilis:
- Hard chancre on the genitals (such as vulva and vagina in females and penis in males), rectum or mouth.
- Painless lymph node enlargement.
Secondary syphilis:
- Non-itchy rash covering the entire body.
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Fever
- Body ache
- Headache
- Hair loss/Moth eaten alopecia
- Wart like sores
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Generalized enlargement of lymph node.
Latent syphilis: If syphilis is not treated in the prior two stages, then it may move to the latent stage. In this stage, you may remain clinically asymptomatic. However, serological evidence of the infection can be identified.
Tertiary syphilis: It is the last or late stage of syphilis. 20% cases progress to this stage demonstrating serious health issues such as:
- Visual disturbances
- Blindness
- Dementia or memory loss
- Brain damage
- Seizures
- Nerve damage
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hearing loss
- Bony destruction
- Destruction of soft tissue
- Movement disorders.

How syphilis is diagnosed?

Syphilis can be detected with the help of the following tests:

Microscopy: When an active chancre or condyloma lata is present then Dark field/ground microscopy can be used for the diagnosis of syphilis. It helps in visualization of T. pallidium and demonstrate its motility.
Blood/Serological tests: It is further classified as:

Non-treponemal Tests	Treponemal Tests
1.VDRL	1.FTA-ABS Test
2.RPR	2.EIA
	3.TPPA
	4.TPHA
	5.TPI

Description of terms used:

VDRL: Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test.
RPR: Rapid Plasma Reagin test.
FTA-ABS: Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption test.
EIA: Enzyme- linked Immuno Assay
TPPA: Treponema Pallidium Particle Agglutination Assay.
TPHA: Treponema Pallidium Haemagglutination test.
TPI: Treponema Pallidium Immobilization test.

How do I prepare for syphilis tests?

Follow these simple steps if you are going for Syphilis tests:

Take an appointment: Fix an appointment in a diagnostic lab having the facility of the various tests used for syphilis detection, so as to avoid waiting at the time of test.
Food: You can take your usual meals. Fasting is not required for syphilis blood/serological tests or microscopy.
Medications: Inform your doctor about all the drugs and supplements that you are currently taking. Certain drugs may alter the test results. Your doctor may advice some modifications before the test if required.
Neurosyphilis: If neurosyphilis is suspected then CSF sample is taken through a lumbar puncture. In this case, you may be asked to empty your bowel and bladder before the test.

What is the procedure for syphilis test?

The procedure for may include the following steps:

Microscopical examination:
- Scraping sample from hard chancre or condyloma lata is taken.
- Sample is collected in a sterile box sent to laboratory for further processing and testing.
- Sample is then examined under Dark field/ground microscopy which shows motile T. pallidium.
Syphilis blood/serological tests:
- First a torniquet will be tied around your arm.
- Then a cotton swab soaked with 70% alcohol is used to clean/disinfect the injection site before needle insertion.
- Then a small needle will be inserted in the vein of your arm and required amount of blood is withdrawn from it and collected in a sterile test tube.
- Then the needle is removed and an adhesive sticker is placed on the puncture site to prevent it from infections.
- Sample is sent to laboratory for further processing and testing.

Cost of syphilis tests in Delhi?

Price of syphilis tests depends upon many factors such as city and locality. Different diagnostic labs charges according to the quality of machines they have and various offers that they are providing to their customers. Cost may also vary depending upon the type of syphilis test which is being performed.

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging centre (GDIC), Rohini also known as GDIC is currently offering 50% discounts on various tests including various tests for syphilis.

Our centers are NABH and NABL accredited and equipped with modern, highly expensive machines with latest cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled Radiologists and Pathologists. We follow strict aseptic conditions to prevent transmission of infections.

Charges of various tests for screening and diagnosis of Syphilis at Ganesh Lab (GDIC) are as following:

VDRL Test

CSF-VDRL Test

RPR Test

FTA-ABA Test

~~Rs 2000~~ – 1000 Book Now

TPHA Test

~~Rs 650~~ – 325 Book Now

Syphilis Serology

~~Rs 1500~~ - 750 Book Now

Syphilis Comprehensive Panel

~~Rs 3200~~ - 1600 Book Now

Bejel, Syphilis and Yaws

~~Rs 4300~~ - 2150 Book Now

Hurry! Grab the best deals now!

Best diagnostic centre for syphilis test in Delhi?

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is considered as the best diagnostic lab for Syphilis test in Rohini, North-East Delhi. We have many branches in different locations of Delhi including Hari Nagar, Yamuna Vihar, Nangloi, Derawal Nagar and Mangol puri.

Ganesh lab (GDIC) is now considered one of the most popular diagnostic labs in Delhi as:

We provide high standard quality services to our patients.

Experience of 23+ years of services.

Our labs are NABH and NABL certified.

Facility of latest cutting-edge technologies.

Well-trained technicians.

Highly Skilled Radiologists and Pathologists

Genuine reporting and Patient satisfaction are our top priority.

We offer seamless integration between diagnosis and treatment planning.

Affordable Diagnostic lab with up to 50% discount on many tests. Currently, we are offering flat 50% discount on various types of Blood tests including Serological tests for syphilis.