Symptomatic early congenital syphilis: a common but forgotten disease

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Congenital syphilis is a severe infection transmitted from infected mothers to unborn infants via the placenta.
• This preventable disease continues to cause significant perinatal morbidity and mortality, indicating failures in current control measures.
• Skeletal manifestations at birth are a rare presentation of symptomatic congenital syphilis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of symptomatic congenital syphilis with skeletal manifestations at birth.
• To emphasize the importance of early and repeated screening for syphilis in pregnant women.
• To highlight the need for adherence to World Health Organization recommendations for syphilis screening.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a neonate with symptomatic congenital syphilis.
• Review of clinical presentation, focusing on skeletal manifestations.
• Discussion of public health implications and screening protocols.

Main Results:

• The case presented with symptomatic congenital syphilis and distinct skeletal abnormalities at birth.
• The findings underscore the potential severity and varied presentations of congenital syphilis.
• The case highlights the ongoing challenge of congenital syphilis despite established prevention strategies.

Conclusions:

• Congenital syphilis remains a significant public health concern with severe outcomes for infants.
• Implementing universal syphilis screening for pregnant women in the first trimester and late pregnancy is essential.
• Adherence to World Health Organization guidelines can improve early detection and prevent adverse perinatal outcomes.