Congenital syphilis: adverse pregnancy outcomes and neonatal disorders

Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) poses a significant hazard to the health of both expectant mothers and neonates. The bacterium can be transmitted via the placenta from an infected mother to the fetus during pregnancy. Congenital syphilis may occur if the infant is exposed to the infection through contact with the mother's body fluids after delivery. The symptoms of congenital syphilis can severely compromise a newborn's health. In addition to various pathological anomalies, affected children may face skin, bone, internal organ, and nervous system issues. These complications can lead to long-term developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and increased risk of infections. Early detection and treatment are crucial to mitigate these risks and promote healthier outcomes for both the infant and the mother. The worldwide prevalence of congenital syphilis is escalating, rising from 203 cases per 100,000 in 2015 to 295 cases per 100,000 in 2021. The primary treatment for syphilis is currently penicillin G therapy, which produces reliable clinical efficacy. This review offers a thorough analysis of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal disorders such as skin lesions and skeletal malformations. The aim is to foster the development of innovative preventive and early diagnostic strategies through a thorough analysis of diagnostic data. These initiatives are expected to reduce the number of affected children significantly, hence enhancing societal stability and safeguarding the health of mothers and infants.