Let’s Talk About Congenital Syphilis

Transcript:

I am Dr. Leandro Mena. I’m an infectious disease specialist and you can ask me anything.

Syphilis in pregnancy is a tremendous concern. We have seen historic increases in the case of congenital syphilis, which is a syphilis that happens when mothers who are infected with syphilis pass the infection in uterus during the pregnancy, and the result can be miscarriage or stillbirth.

But, if we treat syphilis in pregnancy, we can prevent congenital syphilis.

So, the good news is that congenital syphilis can be prevented if persons who are pregnant get tested and treated for syphilis 30 days before delivery.

So, that’s what’s so important that syphilis testing happens as early as possible during pregnancy. And sometimes it needs to be repeated.