Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Congenital Syphilis in Japan, 2023: Executive Summary

Abstract

Congenital syphilis (CS) is a mother-to-child infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum , transmitted through the placenta. In Japan, the number of syphilis cases has recently increased, accompanied by an increase in CS cases. Thus, automated methods for serum antibodies with serial values, without a 2× dilution sequence, have been widely used. Moreover, benzathine penicillin G was introduced in Japan in 2021. In response to the recent surge in CS, the first edition of the clinical practice guidelines for the management of CS was developed by a committee comprising representatives from 4 Japanese medical societies. This summary outlines 5 clinical questions with statements and expert comments regarding diagnosis, treatment and follow-up requirements. These guidelines aim to assist in the management of patients with CS infection.