Born with hidden battle: the crucial need for timely syphilis screening in pregnancy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.34.4.2024.2959Keywords:
congenital syphilis, syphilis, vdrlAbstract
We report a case of early congenital syphilis in a 15-day-old male infant, born to parents with untreated syphilis. The infant presented with reddish exfoliating lesions, dry scaly macular lesions, and purulent ear discharge. Laboratory investigations confirmed congenital syphilis. Despite initial diagnosis, the parents' failure to follow up and receive treatment led to this outcome. The infant responded well to intravenous ceftriaxone, and both parents received benzathine penicillin. This case highlights the importance of adherence to recommended testing and treatment protocols to prevent congenital syphilis, which can have severe complications if left untreated. Regular syphilis screening during pregnancy is crucial, with a 98% success rate in preventing transmission to newborns when treated earlyReferences
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