The epidemiology of congenital syphilis in São Paulo: a public health problem with neurological sequelae

Abstract

Introduction: Syphilis is an infectious disease that has vertical transmission. If left untreated, it can lead to severe neurological problems, seizures, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and learning problems in the baby. Objective: To carry out epidemiological investigations to monitor cases of syphilis and treat infected pregnant women early. Methods: This study statistically analyzes and describes the cases of congenital syphilis in São Paulo between 2010 and 2020 through data obtained by the Information System of Notifiable Diseases (SINAN). Results: The total number of cases of syphilis during pregnancy was 81,401 and 30,665 (37.67%) evolved to congenital syphilis. From 2010 to 2020, the percentage change in the number of annual cases was 169.94%. Among the metropolitan regions, São Paulo had the highest incidence (55.67%). The mother diagnosis occurred during prenatal care in 59.59% of cases; At the time of delivery or curettage: 33.19%; after delivery: 4.67% Ignored/ blank: 2.26%; Regarding skin color/ethnicity there is 18.36% (ignored in the research); White: 44.13%; Black: 4.26%; Yellow: 0.16%; Brown: 32.87%; Indigenous: 0.19%. Data on the mother’s education show that 22.09% have incomplete elementary school; 10.93% completed elementary school; 13.19% have incomplete secondary education; 19.58% have completed secondary education; 1.06% have incomplete higher education and 1.18% have completed higher education; Ignored/blank: 30.79%. The data found that 17.34% did not realize prenatal care. Besides, 66.88% of partners did not realize treatment. Conclusion: Cases of congenital syphilis are associated with lower maternal education, and white and brown skin color, thus being associated with greater social vulnerability. The growing increase in cases of congenital syphilis shows a public health problem and failures in prenatal care and treatment follow-up.