Positive syphilis antibodies indicate infection with the spirochete syphilis, but do not distinguish between previous and current infection. Syphilis antibodies are generally categorized into specific and non-specific antibodies. Usually, positive syphilis antibodies refer to positive specific antibodies, which indicate a previous infection with the spirochete, but do not indicate the presence of an active spirochete in the body. A positive syphilis antibody should be combined with a non-specific antibody test to determine if there is still active syphilis in the body. If the non-specific antibodies are also positive, the disease is active and contagious. If the non-specific antibodies are negative, it means that there has been a previous infection with the spirochete syphilis and regular follow-up is required. If the syphilis spirochete antibody is positive, the non-specific antibody test should be perfected to make a clear diagnosis, so as not to delay the disease.