Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Stereotaxic Microinjection of Viral Vectors Expressing Cre Recombinase to Study the Role of Target Genes in Cocaine Conditioned Place Preference
08:22

Stereotaxic Microinjection of Viral Vectors Expressing Cre Recombinase to Study the Role of Target Genes in Cocaine Conditioned Place Preference

Published on: July 30, 2013

The resurgence of congenital syphilis: a cocaine-related problem

C G Sison1, E M Ostrea, M P Reyes

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Hutzel Hospital, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|February 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Maternal illicit drug use, particularly cocaine, is linked to a rise in congenital syphilis. This study found higher rates of syphilis in infants exposed to drugs in utero.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Congenital syphilis is a serious concern, and understanding its risk factors is crucial for prevention.
  • Maternal substance use during pregnancy poses significant risks to infant health.
  • The resurgence of congenital syphilis necessitates investigation into contributing factors like maternal drug use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between maternal illicit drug exposure and congenital syphilis in newborns.
  • To determine if specific drugs, such as cocaine, are more strongly linked to congenital syphilis.

Main Methods:

  • Meconium analysis was used to screen 1012 newborn infants for intrauterine exposure to illicit drugs.
  • Maternal syphilis screening was performed using the rapid plasma reagin/fluorescent treponemal antibody, absorbed (RPR/FTA-ABS) test.
  • Congenital syphilis diagnosis in infants followed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definitions.

Main Results:

  • 44.3% of infants showed positive results for intrauterine drug exposure (cocaine, opiates, or cannabinoids).
  • Maternal RPR/FTA-ABS positivity and congenital syphilis diagnoses were significantly higher in infants with positive drug screening results (p < 0.01).
  • Infants with cocaine-positive results had a significantly higher incidence of positive maternal syphilis tests and congenital syphilis diagnoses (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Maternal illicit drug use is significantly associated with an increased risk of congenital syphilis.
  • Cocaine use by mothers is particularly linked to the resurgence of congenital syphilis in newborns.
  • These findings highlight the importance of addressing maternal substance abuse to combat congenital syphilis.

More Related Videos

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice10:28

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Published on: February 18, 2016

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder07:51

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder

Published on: June 18, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Drug Dependence01:17

Drug Dependence

Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena01:15

Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena

Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Genital Herpes01:23

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...