Congenital Syphilis and the Prozone Phenomenon: Case Report

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Neonatal Medicine

Background:

• Congenital syphilis prevalence is rising in the US.
• Diagnosis in newborns is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms.
• Prenatal screening can yield false-negative results.

Observation:

• A case of congenital syphilis in a 3-month-old is presented.
• The infant's mother received prenatal care and had negative syphilis tests.
• This contributed to a delayed diagnosis.

Findings:

• The prozone phenomenon, an antibody excess, can cause false-negative syphilis screening.
• This interference can mask maternal infection during pregnancy.
• Late diagnosis increases infant morbidity and mortality risks.

Implications:

• Healthcare providers must consider maternal false-negative tests in suspected cases.
• The prozone phenomenon is a critical factor in congenital syphilis diagnosis.
• Awareness can improve early detection and infant outcomes.