Syphilis in Neonates and Infants

Abstract

Syphilis in neonates and infants remains a significant public health problem because it is a major cause of fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality globally. Despite decades of experience with syphilis in adults and infants, maternal and congenital syphilis are increasing substantially in the United States. The vertical transmission, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and follow-up are reviewed to guide the health care professional in understanding the optimal management of this preventable disease.

Keywords: Congenital syphilis; Infant; Maternal syphilis; Reverse sequence syphilis screening; Syphilis; Syphilis screening.