THE ROLE OF THE PHARMACIST IN THE DIAGNOSIS, PREVENTION, AND CONTROL OF CONGENITAL SYPHILIS

Abstract

Syphilis during pregnancy and congenital syphilis (CS) represent major global public health challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 1.5 million pregnant women are infected worldwide annually. CS is caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, transmitted vertically (transplacentally) or through direct contact with maternal lesions during delivery. Its clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic cases at birth to prematurity, low birth weight, skin and mucosal lesions, hepatosplenomegaly, bone abnormalities, and fetal death. Accurate diagnosis requires clinical correlation and immunological assays (treponemal and non-treponemal tests, such as the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory - VDRL). The gold-standard treatment is based on benzylpenicillin administration (benzathine, potassium/crystalline, or procaine) depending on the stage of infection and cerebrospinal fluid involvement in the newborn. This study consists of an integrative literature review aiming to map scientific evidence regarding pathophysiology, diagnosis, and care barriers of CS, emphasizing the clinical role of the pharmacist in Primary Health Care. It is concluded that the pharmacist acts as a crucial agent within the multidisciplinary team through rapid testing screening, pharmacotherapeutic counseling, active search for sexual partners, and promotion of treatment adherence, mitigating operational failures and reducing vertical transmission.