[Newborn with syphilitic pemphigus in pandemic's time]

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Congenital syphilis results from mother-to-child transmission of Treponema pallidum during pregnancy.
• It is a significant cause of preventable fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.
• Adequate prenatal care, early screening, and timely treatment are crucial for prevention.

Observation:

• Chile maintains a stable congenital syphilis rate despite rising general syphilis incidence.
• This case report details a newborn whose mother lacked antenatal care.
• The mother presented with dermatological lesions suggestive of syphilitic pemphigus.

Findings:

• The case underscores the persistent risk of congenital syphilis, particularly in pregnancies without prenatal surveillance.
• Syphilitic pemphigus in the newborn can be a clinical sign of congenital infection.
• Early detection and intervention are critical for preventing severe outcomes.

Implications:

• Reinforces the need for robust prenatal screening programs to detect and treat maternal syphilis.
• Highlights the importance of recognizing clinical signs of congenital syphilis in newborns.
• Emphasizes the ongoing public health challenge of congenital syphilis transmission.