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Congenital Syphilis: A Threat to Neonatal Health

Miranda Holland1, Alexis Steger2, Amy Jnah

  • 1Department of Advanced Practice Nursing Practice and Education, College of Nursing, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA hollandm23@students.ecu.edu dmholland520@gmail.com.

Neonatal Network : NN
|December 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Syphilis cases are surging, with congenital syphilis (CS) increasing dramatically. Early detection and treatment are vital to prevent severe fetal complications and protect infant health.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Syphilis, caused by *Treponema pallidum*, is a growing public health concern.
  • Cases of syphilis have increased by 80% in the US (2018-2022).
  • Congenital syphilis (CS) cases have risen by 740% in the last decade, posing significant risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a case report of a preterm neonate with congenital syphilis.
  • To discuss the current scientific understanding of syphilis infection in pregnancy.
  • To highlight the critical need for intervention and prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a preterm neonate diagnosed with congenital syphilis.
  • Literature review on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations of syphilis.
  • Discussion of current diagnostic and treatment guidelines for syphilis.

Main Results:

  • Congenital syphilis is linked to severe fetal outcomes, including a nearly 40% mortality risk and stillbirth.
  • Survivors of CS face lifelong complications such as growth restriction, sensorineural hearing loss, and neurodevelopmental impairments.
  • The case report underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing CS in neonates.

Conclusions:

  • Increased access to prenatal care, testing, and timely treatment with benzathine penicillin G are crucial.
  • Educational outreach is essential to curb the spread of syphilis and prevent congenital infections.
  • Effective management of syphilis is vital for reducing stillbirths and improving infant outcomes.

Keywords:
NICU carefetal/maternalinfectionmanagementpharmacologyphysiology/pathophysiologysyphilis

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