RPR test

Rapid Plasma Reagin Flocculation test is done using a blood sample from the individual. This test is used to diagnose the screen for sexually transmitted disease- syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum.

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum. The infection spreads from one individual to another through kissing, close contact or unprotected oral and anal sex. The infection does not spread through general contact like using the same toilets, eating utensils, clothing etc. Syphilis disease occurs in stages. The bacteria enters the body of an individual via direct contact with the ulcer, during prolonged kissing or unprotected sex, through the mucous membrane/cuts or abrasions on the skin. Generally, a small painless ulcer develops at the site of entry of the bacteria. Which often heals within 3-6 weeks. This stage is called primary syphilis.

The second stage of disease develops after a few weeks of healing of the original ulcer during which the individual experiences rashes all over the body including the soles of the hands and feet which are generally not itchy along with ulcers in the mouth and genital area. These signs and symptoms would reoccur and may last for a period of one year.

The latent stage of syphilis occurs after the first two stages where the infection stays hidden within the body of the individual if left untreated. The latent stage of this infection may last for years or the disease may progress to the 3rd stage.

The 3rd stage of infection or late syphilis develops in individuals untreated where the infection affects all the major organs in the body which include heart, nerves, eyes, blood vessels, brain, bones and joints, etc.

The infection can also be transferred from a pregnant mother to an unborn child, this is called congenital syphilis.

Why this test is recommended?

This test is recommended by the doctor if an individual is experiencing certain signs and symptoms like unexplained sores generally painless (skin ulcers) on the genital or oral area, fever, muscle pain, fever, sore throat, sores in the mouth, etc.

This can also be recommended by the doctor if the doctor suspects that an individual may have a sexually transmitted disease or any other conditions etc.

Based on your test results your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment or further diagnostic test.

Positive test results indicate an active treponemal infection and the individual may be suffering from syphilis.

Negative test results indicate the absence of treponemal infection and the individual does not have syphilis.

The test results would be negative sometimes if an individual has syphilis in a latent stage.