BIBLIOGRAPHIC REVIEW ON CONGENITAL SYPHILIS

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections are a public health problem that has consequences in other areas of society. An example is congenital syphilis, where the agent Treponema pallidum is transmitted to the fetus via placenta, with a high death rate. Despite this, the diagnosis can be made during prenatal care, reinforcing its importance. Objective: To identify and deepen knowledge about congenital syphilis, emphasizing primary health care for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Materials and methods: Literature review on congenital syphilis based on scientific articles included in PubMed, Scielo and Public Health Articles. The following descriptors were used: “STI”, “syphilis”, “congenital syphilis”, “pregnancy”, “newborns”, “consequences”, “treatment” and “penicillin”. Results: Congenital syphilis is caused by the vertical transmission of bacterium during pregnancy or by the newborn’s contact with maternal lesions. Its pathogenicity depends on the host’s nutrition, environment, and immune response. Its diagnosis is made during pregnancy by treponemic and non-treponemic tests and treatment should be started as soon as possible, in the pregnant woman, in the partner and in the future newborn, interrupting the transmission chain and preventing new cases. Conclusion: There are many challenges for the ideal control of congenital syphilis, still with a high number of infant deaths and abortion.