Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts
Published on: September 20, 2018
[Congenital syphilis: a case report]
M Lasfargue1, S Thümmler, S Perelman
1Fondation LENVAL-Hôpital pour Enfants, 57 avenue de la Californie, 06200 Nice.
Insights
Congenital syphilis, a preventable newborn infection, is re-emerging in Western Europe. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial for affected infants, despite routine antenatal screening.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Syphilis is a re-emerging infectious disease in Western Europe.
- Congenital syphilis poses significant risks to newborns of infected mothers.
- Despite systematic antenatal screening, congenital syphilis persists.
Observation:
- A case of a six-week-old infant with delayed congenital syphilis diagnosis is presented.
- This highlights potential gaps in current screening or diagnostic protocols.
- The infant's condition underscores the need for continued vigilance.
Findings:
- Congenital syphilis is a serious but easily treatable condition with antibiotics.
- Delayed diagnosis can lead to adverse outcomes for newborns.
- Physicians must remain vigilant for early detection.
Implications:
- Gynaecologists, obstetricians, and paediatricians require heightened awareness.
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to prevent severe outcomes.
- Strengthening public health strategies for syphilis prevention and management is vital.
Abstract:
Syphilis is a re-emerging infectious disease in Western Europe. Congenital syphilis is a potentially serious pathology affecting newborns of infected mothers. This disease is easily curable by a simple antibiotic treatment. Because of systematic antenatal screening it should no longer exist in industrialized countries. Nevertheless, we report a case of a six-week-old infant with a delayed diagnosis of congenital syphilis. Physicians, especially gynaecologists, obstetricians and paediatricians, have to be vigilant in order to allow for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of congenital syphilis.
Related Concept Videos
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Sex-linked Disorders
Genital Herpes
