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[Sexually transmitted diseases and mother-infant transmission (epidemiology and prevention)]
1Institut de Médecine et d'Epidémiologie Tropicales, Paris.
Insights
Neonatal ophthalmia caused by gonorrhea and chlamydia poses risks, necessitating prophylaxis. Congenital syphilis can be reduced through timely maternal screening and beta-lactamine treatment during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Abstract:
Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum may be severe with a high risk of blindness; therefore prophylaxis is mandatory. Chlamydial ophthalmia is less severe and prevention remains less effective. Both microorganisms may be responsible of preterm labour and perinatal deaths. Congenital syphilis is an important public health problem in developing countries. Some recent papers underline the decrease of infestation when mothers may be screened during pregnancy (at least two times in initially seronegative mothers) and correctly treated by beta-lactamines.