[Diverse aspects of congenital syphilis]

Together with the new rise of recent syphilis in the adult woman, congenital syphilis reappears sporadically in our countries, where prophylactic measures (prenatal serology) are sometimes defeated. It remains much more frequent in developing countries. One should know how to interpret a positive serology in a newborn, as it may only reflect passive transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies. One should on the other hand think of syphilis again when the clinical signs are more or less suggestive, the typical picture not being, by far, the most frequent. In spite of the efficacy of Penicillin G: 50,000 U/kg/day during 10 days, neonatal death rate for congenital syphilis is in the neighbourhood of 10%. Our major effort should therefore be aimed at prevention.