SYPHILIS – MATERNAL SYPHILIS LEADS TO CONGENITAL SYPHILIS, STILL A MAJOR GLOBAL HEALTH CONCERN.
Keywords:
Maternal Syphilis, Congenital Syphilis, Treponema Pallidum, Antenatal Screening, Perinatal Mortality, Prevention, Global HealthAbstract
Syphilis remains a significant global health challenge, particularly when transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. Maternal syphilis can result in congenital syphilis, a condition associated with severe complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, and long-term neonatal morbidity. Despite the availability of reliable diagnostic tools and highly effective treatment with penicillin, the prevalence of maternal syphilis continues to rise in many low- and middle-income countries, highlighting persistent gaps in screening, treatment coverage, and healthcare access. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies congenital syphilis as a leading preventable cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity, with hundreds of thousands of affected infants each year.
The pathogenesis of congenital syphilis involves transplacental transmission of Treponema pallidum, typically after the first trimester, though risk is present throughout pregnancy. Early maternal infection carries the highest risk of adverse outcomes, underscoring the need for timely screening and intervention. Antenatal care plays a critical role in prevention, yet barriers such as limited laboratory capacity, lack of awareness, social stigma, and inequitable healthcare systems impede progress.
Recent public health initiatives focus on scaling up universal antenatal screening, integrating rapid point-of-care diagnostic tests, and ensuring immediate access to penicillin treatment. Innovative strategies such as partner notification, digital health interventions, and community-based awareness campaigns are also gaining importance in reducing maternal and congenital syphilis. Eliminating congenital syphilis is achievable with sustained global commitment, comprehensive policy implementation, and strengthening of maternal healthcare systems. Future research should emphasize health equity, cost-effective diagnostic approaches, and culturally sensitive prevention programs to address this long-standing yet preventable public health crisis.
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