Acquired Syphilis in a Family Cluster Without Evidence of Sexual Transmission.
G Moscatelli, L García, S Moroni et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A family cluster presented with multiple cases of acquired syphilis in pediatric patients, with no evidence of sexual transmission. The index case and a sibling were evaluated, revealing no signs of sexual abuse. Notably, the children's mother, initially seronegative, developed secondary syphilis 48 days post-diagnosis of the index case, confirmed by seroconversion in both treponemal and nontreponemal tests.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider nonsexual transmission routes for syphilis in pediatric patients, especially when sexual abuse is ruled out.
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of recognizing alternative transmission methods for syphilis in children, which can inform clinical evaluations and public health strategies.