Epidemiological analysis of congenital syphilis in the State of Paraná, Brazil

Congenital syphilis is a complex public health issue caused by the transmission of Treponema pallidum. Brazil has high incidence rates, with a distinct transmission pattern surpassing other notifiable diseases.

The objective of this study was to examine epidemiological trends, incidence rate, mortality, geographical distribution, prenatal care, and diagnostic determination timing of congenital syphilis in Paraná State.

Data from Department of Informatics of the Single Health System were used to analyze the period from 2015 to 2021 in Paraná. Linear regression and t-tests were employed to assess significance. Statistical significance was determined by p<0.05.

A total of 5,096 notifications of congenital syphilis were recorded in Paraná over the examined period. The metropolitan region is a notable clustering of cases, following Londrina, Maringá, and Foz do Iguaçu. The age group with the highest cases is found between 20 and 24 years (34.93%). Regarding maternal education, a higher occurrence was noticed in incomplete lower secondary education mothers (22.12%). Regarding ethnic background, 3,792 women were identified as white, which was the majority of this analysis (74.41%). Diagnosed maternal syphilis throughout the prenatal phase during 2015-2018 exhibited a noteworthy increase (p<0.05). Most women received prenatal care (p<0.05), even though a significant number received the diagnosis at the delivery or after it. The average infant mortality rate associated with congenital syphilis in Paraná was 0.03.

Paraná State serves as a representative sample of this epidemiological situation, providing significant insights into the intricacies of congenital syphilis incidence. Further comparative investigations including diverse regions within Brazil are necessary.