Syphilis congénitale

Abstract

Congenital syphilis is defined by a child born to an untreated or poorly treated mother or to a child with clinical or biological signs of congenital, the risk of transmission of syphilis depends on the stage: 100% at primary stage, 70% at secondary stage and 40% at early latent stage. Risk increases with the progression of pregnancy. Early congenital syphilis (before 2 years) may be asymptomatic or result in disseminated fulminant infection (mucocutaneous lesions, osteochondritis, anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, neurosyphilis). Manifestations of late congenital syphilis (after 2 years) may include interstitial keratitis, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, bone lesions, anemia, dental malformations (Hutchinson's teeth), neurosyphilis.Screening during the first trimester and again between the 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy, aims at preventing transmission of syphilis.Suspect cases of congenital syphilis should be evaluated by the National Reference Center for Syphilis, the diagnosis is based on a direct diagnosis by PCR on placenta, nasal discharge, CSF, skin lesions and serodiagnosis including the determination of specific IgM in paired maternal and neonatal sera.Maternal treatment is based on the early administration of penicillin.