Family Medicine & Medical Science Research
Open Access

Understanding Symptoms, Prevention and Challenges of Congenital Syphilis

Sajit Abraham^{* *}Correspondence: Sajit Abraham, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada, Email:

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About the Study

Congenital syphilis, a tragic and entirely preventable disease, continues to pose a significant public health challenge worldwide. This sexually transmitted infection, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, is transmitted from an infected mother to her unborn child during pregnancy or childbirth. Despite the availability of effective treatment and prevention strategies, congenital syphilis remains a persistent threat to infants and a concerning indicator of gaps in healthcare systems.

Causes of congenital syphilis

Congenital syphilis occurs when a pregnant woman with syphilis passes the bacterium to her fetus. The infection can be transmitted at any stage of pregnancy but is most common during the early stages. The bacterium can cross the placenta, entering the fetal bloodstream and causing a wide range of complications. Without timely treatment, congenital syphilis can have devastating consequences for the developing baby.

Symptoms and consequences

The symptoms of congenital syphilis can vary widely, and some babies may show no immediate signs of infection. However, if left untreated, the disease can progress, leading to severe health problems. Common symptoms and consequences of congenital syphilis include:

Skin rashes: Many infants with congenital syphilis develop characteristic skin rashes, which may be mistaken for other skin conditions.

Fever: A persistent fever is often one of the earliest signs of infection in infants.

Bone and joint abnormalities: Congenital syphilis can affect a baby's bones and joints, causing pain, swelling, and deformities.

Enlarged liver and spleen: The infection may lead to an enlarged liver and spleen, which can be dangerous for a newborn.

Anemia: Severe anemia, a deficiency in red blood cells, can occur, causing fatigue and weakness.

Neurological problems: Syphilis can damage the baby's developing brain, leading to developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and seizures.

Teeth abnormalities: Congenital syphilis can cause dental abnormalities, such as Hutchinson's teeth (notched incisors) and mulberry molars (misshapen molars).

Deafness: Hearing loss is a common consequence of untreated congenital syphilis.

Organ damage: The infection can damage internal organs, including the eyes, heart, and blood vessels, which can have lifethreatening implications.

Prevention and early detection

Preventing congenital syphilis requires a multifaceted approach involving both pregnant individuals and healthcare systems:

Prenatal screening: Routine prenatal care is essential for early detection and treatment of syphilis in pregnant individuals. All pregnant individuals should be tested for syphilis early in their pregnancy, and those at high risk should be retested during the third trimester and at delivery.

Partner notification: To prevent reinfection, partners of people with syphilis should also get tested and treated.

Penicillin treatment: This remains the most effective treatment for syphilis. Pregnant individuals diagnosed with syphilis should receive prompt treatment to prevent transmission to their fetus.

Follow-up testing: Pregnant individuals who test positive for syphilis should undergo follow-up testing to ensure that the infection has been successfully treated.

Education and awareness: Public health campaigns and education programs should raise awareness about syphilis and the importance of prenatal care and testing.

Challenges in combatting congenital syphilis

Despite the availability of effective prevention and treatment options, congenital syphilis continues to be a significant problem in many parts of the world. Several challenges contribute to this ongoing issue:

Limited access to healthcare: Inadequate access to prenatal care, especially in low-income and marginalized communities, can prevent early detection and treatment of syphilis in pregnant individuals.

Stigma and discrimination: The spread of syphilis can be accelerated by the stigma associated with sexually transmitted infections, which may deter people from getting tested and treated.

Lack of education: Insufficient awareness and education about syphilis and its consequences can lead to missed opportunities for prevention.

Global disparities: Congenital syphilis is more common in lowand middle-income countries, highlighting global disparities in healthcare access and resources.

Congenital syphilis is a preventable tragedy that continues to affect newborns worldwide. It underscores the importance of comprehensive prenatal care, routine testing, and timely treatment. Addressing congenital syphilis requires a coordinated effort from healthcare systems, governments, and communities to ensure that all pregnant individuals have access to the care and education needed to protect themselves and their babies from this devastating disease.