Retesting of a diluted blood sample may be positive. No culture test is available. Latent consists of the interval between secondary and late. Patients have no signs or symptoms, only positive serological tests. Late is characterized by destruction of tissue, organs, and organ systems.
Gummas occur in skin or bone.
Medial necrosis of the aorta with dilation of the ascending aorta may lead to aortic insufficiency or saccular aneurysms of the thoracic aorta. Neurosyphilis Spinal fluid shows elevated WBCs, increased total protein, and positive serology. After adequate treatment of primary syphilis, the titer falls and, in most cases, becomes nonreactive within 9-18 months. False positive tests occur in hepatitis, mononucleosis, viral pneumonia,malaria, varicella, autoimmune diseases, diseases associated with increased globulins, narcotic addicts, leprosy, and old age. Treponemal tests are specific to treponema antibodies and will remain positive after treatment.