Congenital syphilis in neonates: Persistent diagnostic and treatment challenges in resource-limited settings.
Anjali Joshi, Jeetinder Joshi, Pothapregada Sriram
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Case in brief
Five neonates born to mothers with reactive syphilis serology were identified at a tertiary care center in northern India. All infants were asymptomatic at birth, but only two mothers received adequate treatment. Neonatal RPR was reactive in one infant, leading to classifications of congenital syphilis based on CDC criteria. The limited availability of appropriate treatment options highlighted systemic failures in congenital syphilis prevention.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should be aware that asymptomatic neonates born to mothers with reactive syphilis serology may still require careful evaluation for congenital syphilis, even in the absence of symptoms.
Why it matters
This case underscores the importance of adequate antenatal screening and treatment in preventing congenital syphilis, particularly in resource-limited settings where systemic failures can occur.