Syphilis in pregnant black women

Abstract

Serological tests for syphilis (with rapid plasma reagin) were performed in 2 767 women attending the antenatal clinic of King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, for their first, booking visit. The test was repeated at the 36th week of pregnancy. A total of 152 women (5,5%) were assumed to have syphilis. In addition, 4 (11,8%) of 34 patients who were seronegative at less than 32 weeks of pregnancy had a positive serological test result at 36 weeks.