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Congenital syphilis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Congenital lues; Fetal syphilis

Treatment:

Penicillin is the treatment for all forms of syphilis. Infants born to infected mothers who received adequate penicillin treatment during pregnancy are at minimal risk.

Expectations (prognosis):

Many infants who were infected early in the pregnancy are stillborn. Treatment of the expectant mother lowers the risk of congenital syphilis in the infant. Babies who acquire syphilis in the birth canal have a better prognosis.

Complications:

• Blindness
• Deafness
• Facial deformity
• Neurological abnormalities

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if your baby has signs or symptoms as described in this document.

If you suspect that you may be infected with syphilis and are pregnant (or anticipate becoming pregnant), call your health care provider immediately.

• Review Date: 9/29/2006
• Reviewed By: Patrika M. Tsai, MD, MPH, Specialist in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Foster City, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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