TREATMENT OF SYPHILIS IN PREGNANCY

Abstract

Syphilis is a disease caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum and is transmitted sexually, through blood transfusions or vertically. It is estimated that approximately 12 million new cases of syphilis occur each year, with approximately 1.5 to 1.85 million cases affecting pregnant women. Syphilis in pregnancy is a serious public health problem that results in high intrauterine morbidity and mortality. However, it is a vertically transmitted disease, from mother to fetus, which, if left untreated, can result in numerous negative outcomes for maternal and child health. Therefore, it is important to test for syphilis during prenatal care and, when the result is positive (reactive), appropriately treat the woman and her sexual partners to prevent transmission. The objective of this article is to review the historical and epidemiological aspects of maternal and congenital syphilis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and its perinatal implications and to describe the main public health aspects of care for pregnant women with syphilis and the eradication of congenital syphilis.