Combating congenital syphilis: essential steps for healthcare providers

Congenital syphilis rates have been on the rise, despite advances in healthcare. The need for heightened awareness and proactive measures from care providers is important to prevent severe effects in infants.

What is congenital syphilis?

Congenital syphilis occurs when the bacterium Treponema pallidum is transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or delivery. The consequences of untreated syphilis are significant, leading to potential stillbirth, neonatal death, and long-term neurological and developmental issues in affected infants.

Care providers should take the following steps for prevention:

1. Routine testing: We encourage regular syphilis testing for pregnant women at the first prenatal visit, in the third trimester, and at delivery.
2. Education and counseling: Educate expectant women on the risks of syphilis and the importance of treatment and prevention. Encourage open communication about sexual health.
3. Timely and appropriate treatment: Ensure immediate treatment of syphilis in pregnant patients with the recommended penicillin regimen to prevent transmission to the infant.
4. Follow‑up and support: Maintain active follow‑up for treated patients to ensure completion of therapy and serological response. Offer support services to help manage the needs of vulnerable populations.
5. Collaborative efforts: Work in collaboration with local health departments and community organizations to promote awareness, screening, and prevention initiatives.

Congenital syphilis, which increased by 755% from 2012 to 2021 in the U.S (Practice Advisory, 2024), requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders in healthcare. This preventable condition can severely affect infants; timely screening and treatment could have prevented 88% of cases in 2022 (Practice Advisory, 2024). Your role as a healthcare provider is vital in this effort.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions or need additional resources to support your practice in preventing congenital syphilis. You can email questions to maternalchildhealth@anthem.com.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to providing quality care to our members.

Reference

Practice Advisory. Screening for Syphilis in Pregnancy. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (2024): https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2024/04/screening-for-syphilis-in-pregnancy