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Órgano Oficial de la Sociedad
Latinoamericana de lnfectología Pediátrica.
Órgano de la Asociación Mexicana de
Infectología Pediátrica, A.C.
Órgano difusor de la Sociedad Española
de lnfectología

2026, Number 1

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Rev Latin Infect Pediatr 2026; 39 (1)

Congenital syphilis: a case series in a tertiary hospital

Rodríguez MJR, Loor RNF, Chang AJG

Language: Spanish
References: 27
Page: 38-44
PDF size: 716.42 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Introduction: congenital syphilis (CS) is caused by Treponema pallidum, and can be contracted during pregnancy or childbirth. Despite being preventable and effectively treatable, it continues to represent a significant public health problem, especially in developing countries, associated with a lack of adequate prenatal care and limitations in access to treatment. Objective: to describe the clinical and epidemiological findings of five cases of congenital syphilis treated at the Roberto Gilbert Elizalde Hospital. Material and methods: a retrospective descriptive study was conducted on five neonates diagnosed with congenital syphilis at the Roberto Gilbert Elizalde Hospital between May and June 2025. Maternal medical history, clinical characteristics, complementary studies, and administered treatment were reviewed. Results: five neonates were found to be between 34 and 40 weeks of gestation, with the syphilis detected before one month of age. Most were delivered by cesarean section, and their mothers were young; two of the mothers had a history of illicit substance use and had received few prenatal checkups. Clinical findings included fever, seizures, hepatosplenomegaly, chorioretinitis, and pneumonia. The most common laboratory abnormalities were leukocytosis and anemia. Treatment was based on sodium penicillin G, and in two cases, ceftriaxone was used as an alternative. All patients were discharged alive without complications. Conclusion: congenital syphilis remains a public health problem, exacerbated by a lack of prenatal care and penicillin shortages. Early detection and appropriate treatment reduce the likelihood of transmission and, in cases of infection, the development of complications.


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