Syphilis Notifications and the Triggering Processes for Vertical Transmission: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Syphilis is a global disease with severe fetal implications due to vertical transmission.
• Understanding the triggers of syphilis transmission from mother to child is critical for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the factors contributing to the vertical transmission of syphilis.
• To examine gestational and congenital syphilis notifications to identify transmission processes.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study utilizing data from 129 gestational and 132 congenital syphilis notifications in Natal (2011-2015).
• Data sourced from the Information System for Disease Notification.
• Statistical analysis included Chi-square, Student's, and Fisher's tests.

Main Results:

• Maternal syphilis diagnosis predominantly occurred in the third trimester.
• Adequate treatment was documented in only 1.6% of pregnant women, with 16.3% involving partner treatment.
• A high percentage (78.8%) of affected infants were asymptomatic at diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Late diagnosis of maternal syphilis and partners, coupled with insufficient clinical/therapeutic management, are key factors in vertical transmission.
• Enhanced professional training for notification and improved epidemiological surveillance are recommended to strengthen care and reduce congenital syphilis.
• Continuous analysis of syphilis transmission is essential for effective public health strategies.