Syphilis in Pregnancy: Resurgent Preventable Disease

Solwayo Ngwenya

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mpilo Central Hospital, Zimbabwe
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women’s Clinic, Zimbabwe
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Science and Technology Medical School, Zimbabwe

^*Correspondance to: Solwayo Ngwenya 

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Abstract:

Syphilis in pregnancy can cause considerable fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. It is endemic in the developing world but it is now resurgent in the developed world. Maternal syphilis can result in fetal infection leading to fetal and neonatal harm. Mid-trimester miscarriages, stillbirths, low birth weight, prematurity, congenital syphilis and neonatal deaths are all the results of syphilis infection in pregnancy. Universal antenatal screening of all pregnant women by serological testing is the cornerstone in detecting and treating the mother and her partner, and preventing congenital syphilis. Penicillin remains the drug of choice in pregnancy. Congenital syphilis is a preventable disease hence fetal morbidity and mortality is avoidable.

Keywords:

Syphilis; Screening; Complications; Congenital syphilis; Perinatal morbidity; Perinatal mortality; Penicillin

Cite the Article:

Ngwenya S. Syphilis in Pregnancy: Resurgent Preventable Disease. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2016; 1: 1216.