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Reported cases of congenital syphilis in the French national hospital database
Insights
Congenital syphilis (CS) is a preventable concern in France. Enhanced syphilis screening during pregnancy is crucial to prevent CS cases, especially among women of reproductive age.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Syphilis infection has resurged in France since the early 2000s, particularly among women of reproductive age.
- This resurgence raises concerns about the potential for congenital syphilis (CS) transmission.
Observation:
- A review of French national hospital data identified six probable CS cases in children under one year old born in 2004.
- Four of these cases were born in France to mothers who tested positive for syphilis during late pregnancy, with two births occurring prematurely.
- Three of these four mothers were foreign-born, suggesting potential socio-cultural factors impacting antenatal care.
Findings:
- Congenital syphilis is a significant public health issue in France, with cases identified in infants born domestically.
- Maternal syphilis infection, particularly in the absence of adequate antenatal care, is the primary driver of congenital transmission.
Implications:
- There is a need for enhanced surveillance of congenital syphilis cases in France.
- Assessing and improving syphilis screening practices during pregnancy is essential for prevention.
- Targeted interventions may be necessary for foreign-born pregnant women or those facing socio-cultural barriers to healthcare access.
Abstract:
In France, the resurgence of syphilis infection since the beginning of the 2000s, with cases reported among women of reproductive age is a reason for concern considering the possible occurrence of congenital syphilis (CS). Using the French national private and public hospital database, we investigated the number of children with a diagnosis of CS born in France in 2004. Six cases less than one year old were identified as probable CS in the database. Two of these cases were adopted children from outside Europe, whereas the other four were born in France. The mothers of these last four infants tested positive for syphilis during the third trimester of pregnancy, two of them during premature delivery. Three of the four mothers were born abroad. Specific socio-cultural conditions may have been responsible for a lack of antenatal care responsible for the disease. Since CS is a preventable disease and the treatment of syphilis infection is cost-effective, we conclude that surveillance of CS cases and assessment of syphilis screening practises during pregnancy should be performed to prevent the occurrence of CS cases in France.
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