Syphilis in newborns

[Hina Muqadas]

Syphilis is an infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It causes serious problems in infants infected before birth.

Syphilis is caused by bacteria.
Serious complications may develop during the pregnancy.
Newborns may have no symptoms or may develop serious symptoms and complications.
The diagnosis is typically based on blood tests of the newborn and mother.
Penicillin is used to treat the infection

(See also Overview of Infections in Newborns and Syphilis in adults.)
Syphilis is spread through sexual contact. However, if a pregnant woman is infected, her fetus can be infected before birth if the bacteria that cause syphilis cross the placenta (the organ that provides nourishment to the fetus). When a baby is born with syphilis, the infection is called congenital syphilis.