STI: syphilis serology after treatment: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · STI: syphilis serology after treatment

Sample item

Which statement about serological tests for syphilis is correct?

AVDRL remains reactive for life in all treated patientsBTPHA titres reflect disease activity and treatment responseCFTA-ABS becomes negative within 6 months of treatmentDTreponemal tests usually remain reactive for life, while VDRL titres fall with effective treatment

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Treponemal tests usually remain reactive for life, while VDRL titres fall with effective treatment

Treponemal tests such as TPHA and FTA-ABS usually remain positive for life, so they cannot monitor therapy. The nontreponemal VDRL titre declines at least fourfold within 6 to 12 months of successful treatment.

Option by option

A. VDRL remains reactive for life in all treated patients
VDRL usually falls or becomes nonreactive after treatment.
B. TPHA titres reflect disease activity and treatment response
Treponemal tests are not used to assess activity.
C. FTA-ABS becomes negative within 6 months of treatment
FTA-ABS generally stays positive after treatment.
D. Treponemal tests usually remain reactive for life, while VDRL titres fall with effective treatment (correct)
Correct. VDRL is used to monitor treatment response.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is D, Treponemal tests usually remain reactive for life, while VDRL titres fall with effective treatment. Treponemal tests such as TPHA and FTA-ABS usually remain positive for life, so they cannot monitor therapy.

Why is "VDRL remains reactive for life in all treated patients" not the answer?

VDRL usually falls or becomes nonreactive after treatment.

Why is "TPHA titres reflect disease activity and treatment response" not the answer?

Treponemal tests are not used to assess activity.

Why is "FTA-ABS becomes negative within 6 months of treatment" not the answer?

FTA-ABS generally stays positive after treatment.

What concept does this question test?

It tests STI: syphilis serology after treatment in Dermatology. The nontreponemal VDRL titre declines at least fourfold within 6 to 12 months of successful treatment.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study STI: syphilis serology after treatment?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.