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Published on: January 24, 2025
Congenital syphilis in Italy
A Matteelli1, V Dal Punta, A Angeli
1Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia, Piazza Spedali Civili, 1-25125 Brescia, Italy. amatteelli@bsnet.it
Sexually Transmitted Infections
|November 21, 2007
Summary
Congenital syphilis cases reappeared in Northern Italy, a region with no prior recent documentation. This highlights a concerning rise in syphilis incidence among women and necessitates increased screening for pregnant individuals and newborns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital syphilis is a serious infection transmitted from mother to child.
- Northern Italy had not documented congenital syphilis cases for several years, suggesting a historical absence of the disease in the region.
Observation:
- Two infants in Northern Italy presented with clinical and laboratory evidence of congenital syphilis.
- This occurred in a region where the disease had not been documented for a significant period.
Findings:
- The reappearance of congenital syphilis cases indicates a potential resurgence of the infection.
- This aligns with broader evidence suggesting an increasing incidence of syphilis among women in Italy.
Implications:
- There is a critical need for enhanced vigilance and screening protocols for syphilis in pregnant women and newborns.
- Public health strategies must adapt to address the rising trend of syphilis in women.
- Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent severe outcomes of congenital syphilis.
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