Syphilis in pregnant women & congenital syphilis

Massimo Giolo talks about congenital syphilis and screening during pregnancy. Massimo is a Consultant Physician working at Bay of Plenty DHB, with specialist training in infectious disease medicine as well as sexual health.

The number of cases of syphilis has more than doubled between 2015 and 2017, with the number of congenital syphilis cases rising. Increased screening is crucial to interrupt the spread of syphilis and to reduce the risk of long-term effects from undiagnosed syphilis.

Topics

What is it and how can it be prevented
who and when should we be screening
diagnosis
treatment and follow up.

Take home messages

Syphilis is back.
We need to discuss this with women and make sure they are tested during pregnancy.
We need to identify women who may be at risk and offer retesting.
We need to refer for treatment, contact tracing and follow-up.