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Is routine antenatal screening for syphilis useful?

E P Gharoro1, H O Abedi

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. gharoro@uniben.edu

International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics: the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
|February 25, 2000
PubMed

Insights

The incidence of antenatal syphilis serology is low in Benin City. Continued routine screening with confirmatory treponemal antigen tests is recommended for pregnant women.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • Syphilis remains a significant global public health concern, particularly during pregnancy.
  • Antenatal screening is crucial for preventing congenital syphilis transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the seroprevalence of syphilis among pregnant women in Benin City.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of current screening protocols.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study analyzing antenatal syphilis serology results.
  • Review of screening data from healthcare facilities in Benin City.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of positive antenatal syphilis serology was found to be low in Benin City.
  • Current screening practices identified a low prevalence of syphilis.

Conclusions:

  • Routine antenatal syphilis serological screening is effective in Benin City.
  • Inclusion of confirmatory treponemal antigen tests is recommended to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

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