Congenital Syphilis as a Measure of Maternal and Child Healthcare, Brazil

Abstract

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that has direct adverse effects on maternal and infant health through vertical Treponema pallidum transmission during early pregnancy. We evaluated congenital syphilis as a predictor of the quality of basic maternal and child healthcare in Brazil during 2010-2015. We investigated case rates and correlations with epidemiologic and socioeconomic indicators. We observed rising congenital syphilis incidence rates and increasing syphilis-associated perinatal and infant mortality rates in all regions. Case rates were highest in the Northeast, Southeast, and South, and congenital syphilis infant mortality rates were highest in the Northeast and Southeast. We observed correlations between congenital syphilis rates and infant death, spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), and stillbirth rates. We also noted correlations between rates of stillbirth caused by syphilis and inadequate prenatal care. Our study suggests gaps in basic healthcare for pregnant women and indicates the urgent need for measures to increase early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Keywords: Syphilis; Treponema pallidum; bacteria; congenital syphilis; healthcare; miscarriage; pregnant women; stillbirth; treatment; vertical transmission.

Figure

Incidence rates of congenital syphilis in children <1 year of age per 1,000 live births, by year and region, Brazil, 2010–2015.