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Maternal and paternal factors associated with congenital syphilis in Shenzhen, China: a prospective cohort study

J-B Qin1, T-J Feng, T-B Yang

  • 1Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China, qinjiabi123@163.com.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|August 17, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Maternal and paternal factors significantly impact congenital syphilis (CS) transmission. Targeted interventions addressing distinct maternal and paternal risk profiles are crucial for effective CS prevention and reducing neonatal mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Maternal and Child Health

Background:

  • Congenital syphilis (CS) remains a significant global health challenge, hindering elimination efforts.
  • Understanding distinct maternal and paternal risk factors is essential for developing targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the maternal and paternal factors associated with congenital syphilis (CS) transmission.
  • To identify risk profiles for targeted interventions to reduce CS incidence and associated neonatal mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study conducted in China from 2007-2012.
  • Screened 279,334 pregnant women, with 360 women diagnosed with syphilis included for analysis.
  • Analyzed maternal and paternal factors, including syphilis history, treatment adherence, and substance use, in relation to infant CS diagnosis and neonatal death.

Main Results:

  • Infant CS diagnosis occurred in 9.4% of cases.
  • Maternal factors like syphilis history, prenatal care, and complete treatment significantly reduced CS risk.
  • Increased non-treponemal antibody titers, early syphilis stage, treatment delays, and paternal cocaine use or unknown syphilis status increased infant infection risk.
  • CS diagnosis was associated with an 8.02-fold increased risk of neonatal death.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal and paternal factors present distinct risk profiles for congenital syphilis.
  • Effective CS prevention requires tailored strategies addressing these separate maternal and paternal risk profiles.
  • Interventions should focus on improving maternal syphilis treatment adherence and addressing paternal risk factors to reduce transmission and neonatal mortality.

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