Congenital and Maternal Syphilis: Evaluation and Serology

Abstract

Introduction: Syphilis during pregnancy poses a risk of congenital syphilis. This case report highlights the importance of syphilis screening in pregnant women, appropriate management, and post-treatment serological monitoring.

Case Presentation: We report a case involving a married couple: a 17-year-old pregnant woman at 26–28 weeks of gestation and her 21-year-old husband. Both patients presented with hyperpigmented patches on the body, palms, and soles. Serological testing in the pregnant woman revealed a reactive Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test with a titer of 1:4 and a reactive Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination Assay (TPHA). In her husband, the VDRL test was reactive with a titer of 1:16, and the TPHA was also reactive. The pregnant woman was treated with benzathine penicillin G, 2.4 million IU intramuscularly, administered once weekly for two consecutive weeks, while her husband received a single dose. Serological examination of the newborn revealed a reactive VDRL test with a titer of 1:4. The infant was treated with procaine penicillin G at a dose of 50,000 IU/kg body weight/day for 10 days.

Conclusion: Adequate treatment of syphilis in pregnant women, sexual partners, and newborns is essential to prevent complications and congenital syphilis.