CONGENITAL SYPHILIS
- Shantay Davies-Balch
- Apr 8
- 1 min read
WHAT IS CONGENITAL SYPHIILIS?
Congenital syphilis is a syphilis infection passed from a pregnant person to their baby through pregnancy or childbirth. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. Cases of congenital syphilis have been increasing in recent years.
If left untreated, congenital syphilis can cause:
Birth defects such as deformed bones
Blindness
Hearing loss
Severe anemia
Jaundice
Rash
Enlarged liver
Miscarriage
Meningitis*
Preterm birth
Low birth weight
Stillbirth
Infant death