Congenital syphilis, associated factors, epidemiology and diagnosis

Abstract

Congenital syphilis represents a persistent challenge in global public health, manifesting as an infection transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, this condition, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, can result in serious consequences for the fetus and newborn. The objective of the study was to determine the associated factors, epidemiology, and diagnosis. The methodology applied was a documentary, descriptive and explorative review, accessing different sources of information such as Scielo, Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, Medigraphic, Science Direct, among others. The results found that a wide variation in reported prevalence is observed, from 11% in New Zealand to 4.73% in Brazil; Some studies highlight factors specific to the local context, such as exchanging sex for money or drugs or lack of access to lab tests; The detection of congenital syphilis is carried out through serological tests, among them are; IgG IgM IgA antibody for syphilis, the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay. It was concluded that the epidemiology of congenital syphilis shows significant variability between different regions and countries. The factors associated with congenital syphilis identified in the study reveal a complete pattern of social, behavioral, and health care determinants. Diagnostic methods for congenital syphilis reflect a combination of traditional techniques and technological advances, serological testing.