How long does it take for a newborn with a single positive test for syphilis to become negative?

Generally, the time it takes for a newborn with a positive syphilis test result to become negative mainly depends on whether the newborn receives timely treatment. If a newborn is diagnosed with a positive syphilis test shortly after birth and receives prompt treatment, the result usually becomes negative within 6 to 12 months. However, if diagnosis and treatment occur 3 to 6 months after birth or even later, it may take 12 to 24 months for the result to become negative. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If a newborn is diagnosed with a positive syphilis test shortly after birth, the infection level of Treponema pallidum in the newborn's body is relatively mild, and timely treatment can effectively control the progression of the disease. In such cases, syphilis antibodies may become negative within 6 to 12 months after diagnosis.

However, if a newborn is diagnosed with a positive syphilis test 3 to 6 months after birth or even later, and does not receive timely treatment or receives inappropriate treatment, the time required for syphilis antibodies to become negative may be further prolonged, and the condition may even recur. In these cases, the test result usually becomes negative within 12 to 24 months after diagnosis.

During the treatment period, parents should ensure adequate nutritional support for the newborn, such as increasing intake of protein-rich foods like eggs and dairy products, to promote physical recovery.