When is it advisable to get tested for syphilis?

A syphilis PCR test is particularly advisable if you have had unprotected sexual intercourse or have discovered painless ulcers on your skin or mucous membranes of unknown origin. In addition, regular testing is recommended if you have multiple sexual partners and are sexually active. The test provides certainty as to whether an infection is present even before conventional antibody tests would provide clear results.

If you notice any symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

When are the pathogens detectable and when is a test reliable?

The PCR-based testing method used in this test is particularly sensitive, meaning that the bacteria can be detected just a few days to weeks after infection. However, there is a residual risk that an emerging infection may not yet be detectable if tested too early. Therefore, testing carried out 1 to 3 weeks after a possible infection is generally more reliable.

How does a test for sexually transmitted diseases work?

1. Order your test kit, which will be delivered to your home free of charge. The packaging is neutral to protect your privacy.

2. Read the instructions carefully or watch the explanatory video.

3. Collect your sample in a familiar environment.

4. Place your sample in the enclosed sample protection bag and put everything in the addressed, prepaid and neutral return envelope.

5. Ideally, take the box to the post box on the same day.

6. The sample will be processed by our specialist staff immediately upon arrival at our laboratory and the result will be medically validated.

7. You will receive the result 2-3 days after the sample is received by the laboratory. As soon as the result is available, you will be notified by email. You can access the medical laboratory report directly.

8. If an infection has been detected, you will receive a recommendation from our doctors on how to proceed, as well as detailed information about the various treatment methods.

Syphilis

What is syphilis?

Syphilis, also known as lues, is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum). In Germany, there were 7,339 new infections in 2020. The disease progresses through various stages and can cause serious health problems if not detected and treated in time.

How is syphilis transmitted?

Syphilis is mainly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact with infected persons. The bacteria enter the body through microlesions in the mucous membrane or skin. Transmission can also occur from mother to child during pregnancy. Syphilis is especially contagious during the first two stages of infection, the primary and secondary phases. There is no lasting immunity against T. pallidum, meaning reinfection is possible.

Symptoms and Progression of Syphilis

A syphilis infection progresses through several stages. Approximately half of all T. pallidum infections are asymptomatic. However, the acute phase of the infection can transition into a chronic course, regardless of the presence of symptoms and may affect multiple organ systems.

Primary Syphilis is the first stage of the infection and is characterized by the appearance of sores or ulcers. These lesions develop at the site where the bacteria entered the body and are therefore commonly found on the genitals, in the mouth, or around the anus. The ulcers typically have a firm, round shape and are painless. They persist for about three to six weeks and may heal on their own, even without treatment. However, the healing of the ulcers does not indicate that the syphilis infection has resolved. Since the lesions are usually painless, the first stage of infection may go unnoticed in some cases.

Secondary Syphilis usually begins about four to ten weeks after the initial infection. By this stage, the infection has spread throughout the body via the bloodstream and lymphatic system. This phase is marked by non-specific, flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and headaches. Around ten weeks after exposure, a non-itchy, measles-like skin rash may appear. This rash can occur anywhere on the body but is more commonly seen on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Although the symptoms may disappear on their own, they can recur if left untreated. Even in the absence of symptoms, the infection persists and remains transmissible.

If left untreated, latent syphilis may develop, a symptom-free period that can last for several years. Eventually, the disease can progress to tertiary syphilis, a stage characterized by severe symptoms affecting various organ systems, including the nervous system, cardiovascular system, bones, and muscles. A manifestation of tertiary syphilis in the central nervous system is referred to as neurosyphilis and can lead to neurological and psychiatric abnormalities. Despite the severity of symptoms in this stage, the disease is no longer considered infectious in the tertiary phase.

Possible Symptoms of a Syphilis Infection

A syphilis infection progresses through multiple stages. In the early phase, symptoms are often absent. Nevertheless, the disease is contagious and can, in later stages, affect various organs and lead to severe secondary conditions. With early diagnosis, syphilis is easily treatable and can heal without lasting consequences.

Primary syphilis

• Sore lesions
• Painless ulcers, typically in the genital area, around the anus, or in the mouth

Secondary syphilis

• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue and headaches
• Non-itchy rash, especially on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet

The secondary infection phase is followed by a symptom-free latent phase. This can last for years.

Tertiary syphilis follows latent syphilis.

• Serious symptoms and secondary diseases (e.g. neurosyphilis) that can affect various organ systems (e.g. central nervous system, cardiovascular system) and continue to progress if left untreated

How do I receive my test result?

As soon as the test results are available, we will inform you via email. You can access the results immediately.

How quickly will I receive my test result?

The medical laboratory report will be ready for you 2-3 days after the sample arrives at the laboratory.

What does a negative test result mean?

No Treponema pallidum bacteria and therefore no syphilis was detected in the sample material you collected. Please note the connection between the time of infection and the time of testing. Under certain circumstances, it may be advisable to repeat the test after an appropriate period of time.

What does a positive test result mean?

Syphilis (Treponema pallidum) has been detected in the sample you collected. You should inform your sexual partners about the results of your test and seek medical advice. Our doctors will be happy to advise you on how to proceed and the treatment options available.

How can syphilis infection be treated?

Syphilis is usually treated with antibiotics, most commonly penicillin. If the disease is treated in the first two stages, therapy lasts two to three weeks. Treatment in the tertiary stage usually requires a longer period of therapy.

Risk of infection with other pathogens

Syphilis often occurs together with HIV, as the ulcers in the early stages of syphilis increase the risk of HIV infection. If a syphilis infection occurs at the same time as HIV, there is an increased risk of developing tertiary syphilis and neurosyphilis. In addition, the latency period between secondary and tertiary syphilis is greatly reduced in these patients.