Abstract
In Brazil, syphilis and HIV infection are considered serious public health problems. However, in practice, epidemiological surveillance, prevention measures, and prenatal care seem to be more effective in the control of mother-to-child transmission of the HIV than in the control of transmission of the Treponema pallidum. Here we discuss the differences in surveillance, prenatal care, and care of the newborn. Important differences were identified. It is concluded that there is an urgent need to establish prevention of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis as a public health priority, using an integrated approach including women's health, children's health, primary health care, and STD/AIDS programs on all governmental levels. These issues also need to be discussed with all stakeholders involved. Important aspects related to the problem are the training of public health professionals, as well as the participation of the community. The elimination of congenital syphilis does not require expensive drugs, and diagnostic tools, but a long-term sustainable approach.
Highlights
In Brazil, syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are considered serious public health problems
In practice, epidemiological surveillance, prevention measures, and prenatal care seem to be more effective in the control of mother-to-child transmission of the HIV than in the control of transmission of the Treponema pallidum
There are still high levels of syphilis in Brazil, even in the 21st century. This is in spite beginning of actions to reduce the mother-to-child T. pallidum transmission before those for HIV, and Brazil having participated in the “Project for the Elimination of Congenital Syphilis in the Americas”, in 1995 23, and agreeing to an elimination goal
Summary
In practice, epidemiological surveillance, prevention measures, and prenatal care seem to be more effective in the control of mother-to-child transmission of the HIV than in the control of transmission of the Treponema pallidum. It is concluded that there is an urgent need to establish prevention of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis as a public health priority, using an integrated approach including women’s health, children’s health, primary health care, and STD/AIDS programs on all governmental levels. These issues need to be discussed with all stakeholders involved. The elimination of congenital syphilis does not require expensive drugs, and diagnostic tools, but a long-term sustainable approach
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