Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is spread from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Although primarily transmitted through person-to-person sexual contact, syphilis may be transmitted by the transfusion of blood and blood components donated by asymptomatic donors harbouring the infection. Syphilis can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy and childbirth; this is known as congenital syphilis. Syphilis cannot be spread through contact with toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs and bathtubs, shared clothing or eating utensils.
In adults, in the acute phase, syphilis causes sores, usually on the genitals, within the first three months of becoming infected. These sores are small ulcers which then heal, often leading the person to believe the problem has gone away. Shortly after the ulcers have gone, the person may notice enlarged glands and a skin rash, often on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and the trunk, and perhaps a sore throat. These symptoms also disappear. If untreated, the infection can go on to a chronic phase and cause severe health problems involving the heart and the brain. Shortly after infection occurs, the body produces syphilis antibodies that can be detected by a blood test. Even after full treatment, antibodies to syphilis remain in the blood and may be detectable for many years after the infection has gone.
An infected baby can be severely ill, but some babies will show no signs of syphilis. In many countries, a test for syphilis is a routine part of medical care during pregnancy. If you have had congenital syphilis, you may have antibodies for life.
The tests performed on your donation have given positive results for antibodies to a treponema bacterial infection. Antibodies are your body’s reaction to infection, and often mean that you have had a particular infection, but no longer have it. From the pattern of the test results it is usually possible to decide whether or not your infection is recent. This will have to be discussed with you by one of our doctors or nurses.
If your test results indicate a recent infection this is most probably acute. You may have had symptoms which you did not think were important, or may not have noticed anything at all. However, you are infectious to a sexual partner and should seek treatment, both for yourself and your partner. If you do not want to, or are unable to inform your partner, your doctor may be able to help you with that. Your test results are regarded as strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone without your consent.
Unfortunately, you will no longer be able to give blood. Even after full treatment our blood test will continue to show a positive result for antibodies. Although your blood is no longer infectious, regulations in many countries do not allow the use of blood that gives a positive test result for these antibodies.
All these diseases are fully treatable with antibiotics, usually penicillin. If you are allergic to penicillin you will be given an alternative antibiotic.