Congenital syphilis

Congenital Syphilis

Microscopic image of Treponema pallidum, the bacterium causing congenital syphilis.

Congenital syphilis is a life-threatening bacterial infection in newborns, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It occurs when a mother with syphilis transmits the infection to her baby during pregnancy.

Transmission

Congenital syphilis is transmitted from an infected mother to her baby through the placenta. The risk of transmission depends on the stage of the mother's syphilis infection and whether she has received treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

Infants with congenital syphilis may exhibit symptoms such as:

• Irritability
• Fever
• Failure to thrive
• Saddle nose deformity
• Skin rash
• Pneumonia

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of congenital syphilis typically involves:

• Blood tests for syphilis antibodies
• Physical examination for characteristic symptoms
• Bone X-rays to detect bone abnormalities

Treatment

Early treatment is crucial and typically involves:

• Intravenous or intramuscular penicillin therapy
• Treatment of the infected mother to prevent re-infection

Prevention

Prevention strategies include:

• Routine syphilis screening for all pregnant women
• Immediate treatment for women diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy

External Links

• CDC: Congenital Syphilis
• World Health Organization: Syphilis

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