Definition

Syphilis is an infection caused by bacteria. Congenital syphilis is an infection that a baby is born with. In this case, the infection is passed from a mother to her baby.

This is a potentially serious condition that requires medical care. If untreated, a baby with congenital syphilis can have problems throughout life. It can also cause a stillbirth or death in early infancy.

Causes

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a specific bacteria. This infection can pass to a baby through an infected mother. The baby may be infected during pregnancy or the birth process.

Risk Factors

A baby has an increased risk of developing congenital syphilis if the mother:

• Does not receive prenatal care
• Abuses drugs before or during pregnancy
• Is involved in prostitution
• Has unprotected sex

Symptoms

Symptoms of congenital syphilis include:

• Rash around the mouth, anus, and genitals
• Poor weight gain
• Difficulty feeding
• Fever
• Deformities of the nose, upper arm, shins
• Tooth abnormalities
• Abdominal swelling
• Vision problems
• Hearing problems
• Irritability

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam may be done.

Bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:

• Blood tests of the mother and the baby
• Tests on the placenta
• Spinal tap to look for the presence of syphilis in the spinal fluid

Images may be taken of your child’s bodily structures. This can be done with x-rays.

Your child’s vision may be tested with an eye exam.

Treatment

Syphilis is treated with an antibiotic called penicillin. It may be given to the mother during pregnancy. The medication in pregnancy will treat the child as well the mother. Penicillin will also be given to infected babies after birth.

Other steps may be needed if your child has complications from syphilis. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan.

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of spreading congenital syphilis:

• Practice safe sex.
• Get good prenatal care throughout pregnancy.
• If you think you may have a sexually transmitted disease, get tested. Follow through on all your doctor’s recommendations.
• Take your baby to all newborn and well-child check ups. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for screening tests and immunizations.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases http://www.niaid.nih.gov

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Syphilis—CDC fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/STDFact-Syphilis.htm
Updated April 1, 2014. Accessed May 29, 2014.