What is the most likely interpretation of a reactive RPR and VDRL but a nonreactive MHA-TP?

A reactive RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) and VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) test alongside a nonreactive MHA-TP (Microhemagglutination Assay for Treponema pallidum) indicates a situation where non-treponemal tests (RPR and VDRL) are positive while the treponemal test (MHA-TP) is negative.

In this context, the combination of results suggests a biological false positive. Non-treponemal tests can yield positive results in various situations unrelated to syphilis, such as autoimmune diseases, infections, or pregnancy. Since the treponemal test, which is more specific for Treponema pallidum, is nonreactive, it indicates that there is no current or past infection with syphilis. Thus, the most likely interpretation of these findings is that the person has a reactive non-treponemal test due to other factors rather than an active or past syphilis infection.

In cases of actual syphilis, one would typically expect to see reactive results on both the non-treponemal and treponemal tests, especially in secondary syphilis or neurosyph