Current trends in congenital syphilis

Abstract

In many parts of the world particularly sub-Saharan Africa, congenital syphilis is a significant public health problem. Though it is rare in most affluent countries there has been a slight resurgence recently in several European countries. The diagnosis of suspected cases and management of congenital syphilis may be confusing and the potential for severe disability is high when cases are missed. The cornerstone of congenital syphilis control is antenatal screening and treatment of mothers with penicillin and in affluent countries it should be strengthened among those at high risk. In developing countries antenatal care screening needs to be strengthened by implementing point-of-care decentralised screening and treatment, also alternative novel approaches to control congenital syphilis should be looked at and utilized. International health agencies and political parties should take steps urgently to support focused approaches to tackling the problem of continuing congenital syphilis.

Congenital Syphilis Presenting with Only Nephrotic Syndrome: Reemergence of a Forgotten Disease

“…Immigrant mothers may have a low socioeconomic background and may not have access to prenatal care, thus, increasing incidence of CS in immigrant mothers could be related to failure of prenatal care delivery systems (91617). A rising trend in the incidence of syphilis and CS has also been observed in other Asian and Western countries (12181920). A sharp increase in the incidence of syphilis infection has been documented among heterosexual population and men who have sex with men.…”

“…Since the initiation of national programs to prevent CS, it was considered a disease of the past in developed countries. Despite the marked advances in the management and control of syphilis, the incidence of syphilis is increasing again in many parts of the world (1238). …”

“…Syphilis is generally considered to be largely eradicated in many countries; however, its incidence remains high in the developing world and is increasing in developed countries (12). Syphilis continues to affect pregnant women, despite the numerous control measures established for its prevention.…”

A rare presentation of congenital syphilis: Pemphigus syphiliticus in a newborn infant with extensive desquamation of the extremities

“…Congenital syphilis is an infection that has demonstrated resurgence in many developed countries, including the United States. Based on estimates by the World Health Organization, the annual incidence of congenital syphilis worldwide has been reported to be as high as 1 575 000 cases . Recent trends have showed that the overall rate of reported congenital syphilis in the United States has increased from 8.4 cases per 100 000 live births in 2008 to 2012 to 11.6 in 2014—the highest congenital syphilis rate reported since 2001 .…”

The continuing threat of syphilis in pregnancy

“…Syphilis in pregnant women is transmitted to the fetus via transplacental passage, and has an infection rate of 25-75% [4]. Paradoxically, the fetal consequences of transplacental transmission of syphilis exhibit an inverse relationship with the length of maternal infection.…”