Understanding Congenital Syphilis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Causes
An unborn child can contract congenital syphilis when the bacterium Treponema pallidum is transmitted from an infected mother to her unborn child during pregnancy or childbirth. Syphilis is transmitted primarily through the placenta, but it can also be transmitted during childbirth if the mother is untreated for the disease. Infection of the fetus by the bacterium causes congenital syphilis, which can be life-threatening.
Symptoms
The symptoms of congenital syphilis will vary depending on the stage of infection and the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
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Low birth weight
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Birth before due date
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Rashes on the hands and feet, particularly on the palms
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Fever
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An enlarged liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly)
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Skin and eye yellowness (jaundice)
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Anemia
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Swollen or painful joints caused by bone abnormalities
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Complications related to the nervous system, including developmental delays, seizures, and hearing loss
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In later stages of the disease, Hutchinson's teeth (notched, peg-shaped teeth) and saddle nose deformities develop
Diagnosis
A combination of maternal screening, newborn testing, and clinical evaluation is required to diagnose congenital syphilis:
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Prenatal screening for syphilis: During pregnancy, pregnant women are routinely screened for syphilis to detect and treat the infection early, reducing the risk of congenital syphilis transmission.
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A newborn born to a mother who has untreated syphilis or whose status is unknown should be tested for syphilis shortly after birth. Testing may include a physical examination, blood test to detect syphilis antibodies, and other diagnostic tests.
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A further clinical evaluation may be required for infants diagnosed with congenital syphilis to assess for health complications and determine the best course of treatment.
Treatment
Congenital syphilis is treated with antibiotics to eliminate the infection and prevent complications:
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It may be necessary to administer penicillin intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) for a specified period of time in order to treat congenital syphilis.
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Congenital syphilis infants require close monitoring and follow-up care to ensure the effectiveness of treatment, monitor for any health complications, and address any developmental or medical needs that may arise.
Prevention
Syphilis-infected pregnant women should undergo prenatal screening and treatment in order to prevent congenital syphilis:
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It is essential for pregnant women to undergo prenatal syphilis screening and receive appropriate treatment if infection is detected. Congenital syphilis transmission to unborn children is significantly reduced when syphilis is treated during pregnancy.
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Preventing recurrent syphilis infection and reducing the risk of congenital syphilis transmission in subsequent pregnancies starts with partner notification and testing for syphilis.
In conclusion, congenital syphilis is a serious but preventable condition caused by the transmission of syphilis from an infected mother to her unborn child during pregnancy or childbirth. In order to prevent congenital syphilis and reduce the risk of health complications in affected infants, early prenatal screening, timely treatment of pregnant women infected with syphilis, and newborn testing are essential. Pregnant or planning to become pregnant women should receive timely prenatal care and undergo syphilis screening in order to protect their health.
