Congenital Syphilis: General Information
Congenital syphilis is a disease that occurs when a mother with syphilis passes the infection on to her baby during pregnancy. This sexually transmitted diseases (STD) is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum (see photo).
The symptoms of congenital syphilis may vary greatly depending on how long the mother had syphilis or when the mother got treatment. Congenital syphilis may cause complications with pregnancy such as miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, low birth weight, or death shortly after birth. Almost 40% of babies born with untreated syphilis may be born stillborn or die from the infection as a stillborn. If the baby were to survive the previously listed symptoms, other symptoms that may result are deformed bones, severe anemia, enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice, brain and nerve problems, meningitis, or skin rashes. Not all babies with congenital syphilis are born with these symptoms. Without treatment, the baby could develop serious problems that may not show up from weeks to years later. When trying to diagnose congenital syphilis, doctors must consider several factors like the results of the mother’s syphilis blood test, and if the mother received treatment for syphilis during her pregnancy. Also, the doctor may test the baby’s blood or do other tests such as a spinal tap or X-ray. |
Congenital Syphilis: Historical/Modern Rise
In 2012, the rate of congenital syphilis reached a low of 8.4 cases per 100,000 live births. This came off a 4 year period of steady decline. However, the congenital syphilis rate then increased by 38% from 2012 to 2014. This increase was directly proportional to the rate increase of syphilis in women during this same period. During this period, all racial/ethnic groups experienced an increase in cases and rates of congenital syphilis.
Congenital Syphilis: Prevention Education
In order to prevent the risk of congenital syphilis, mothers should get a syphilis test at their first prenatal visit. If the test is positive, the mother needs to be treated right away. Also, using condoms during sex may decrease the risk of syphilis, but if the sore is not covered, the diseases may still be transmitted.
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References
- Center for Disease Control. Congenital Syphilis- CDC Fact Sheet. Updated September 26, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/stdfact-congenital-syphilis.htm.
- Center for Disease Control. Increase in Incidence of Congenital Syphilis. November 13, 2015. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6444a3.htm.