Syphilis in pregnancy

Abstract

Although eminently amenable to treatment, syphilis remains an important sexually transmitted disease with major consequences for both mother and baby. However, there are variations in screening and treatment regimens from country to country, as well as problems in understanding and implementing current recommendations. This paper is based on a comprehensive review of the literature, with data presented on syphilis epidemiology, as well as testing and screening methods with reference to pregnancy. Treatment regimens are reviewed especially with regard to their effect on pregnancy outcomes, together with recommendations for use by pregnant women. The use of the two commonly used penicillins, benzathine and procaine penicillin, is highlighted as there is no consensus as to which if any is better in pregnancy. Public health issues are discussed and suggestions to improve deficiencies in current health care practices are defined. Finally congenital syphilis and the problems with its definitions, diagnosis and treatment are mentioned.