The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test is designed to identify syphilis infection, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum.
VDRL Test is recommended:
If there is a chance you might have been infected by syphilis.
One small, painless sore.
Swelling in lymph nodes near the sore.
Skin rash that doesn’t itch.
To monitor the treatment of syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It is most commonly spread by sexual route (through contact with a syphilis sore. Syphilis is easily treatable with antibiotics. However, it can cause severe health problems if it is left untreated and can be potentially fatal. Maternal transfer to an unborn child through an infected mother can cause the baby serious and potentially fatal consequences. There are several stages of syphilis:
Primary syphilis: Primary infection starts 2-3 weeks after being infected. It usually appears as one or more painless chancres on the sexual partner chancre are exposed body parts such as the penis or vagina. Since it is painless, it may go unnoticed, especially if it is in the rectum or on the cervix. It usually disappears within 4-6 weeks even without any treatment.
Secondary syphilis: Primary syphilis infection can progress to secondary syphilis if the infected person is left untreated. The symptoms generally develop from 6 weeks to 6 months after the change first appears. It is mainly observed as a non-itchy skin rash (rough, red, and spotted), appearing typically on the palms of the hands and the bottoms of the feet. The other associated symptoms could be fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and body aches.
Late or tertiary syphilis: Secondary syphilis can progress to the late or tertiary stage if it is further left untreated. In this, the infected person may remain without any symptoms (asymptomatic) but, continues to have the infection and can last for years. There are various major complications associated with tertiary syphilis which can also occur if it is left untreated such as the bacteria can damage the heart, eyes, brain, central nervous system (Neurosyphilis), bones, joints, or almost any other part of the body. Tertiary syphilis can last for years, with the final stage leading to mental illness, blindness, other neurological problems, heart disease, and death.
Copyright © 2024 Medtotes Pvt Ltd, All Right Reserved.
