Syphilis Complicating Pregnancy and Congenital Syphilis

Congenital Syphilis in Live Births

“…1 Congenital syphilis results from the transplacental transmission of the sexually transmitted pathogen Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum (T pallidum), from a mother with infection during pregnancy. 2,3 The transmission of this infectious bacterium results in destruction to multiple organ systems in the developing fetus and is associated with perinatal loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death. 4 At birth, the newborn with congenital syphilis requires neonatal intensive care unit admission with prolonged hospitalization for extended therapy and other indicated care.…”

“…6 Another U.S. population-based study reported that the incidence of congenital syphilis hospitalization had increased and congenital syphilis contributed to health care utilization burden; however, their results were based on data from 2009 to 2016. 7 Despite the growing epidemic of congenital syphilis nationwide, 1,[3][4][5] contemporary data examining risk factors for congenital syphilis, associated adverse outcomes, and health care utilization and costs are lacking.…”