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Syphilis prevalence increases among pregnant women, infants
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Reports of syphilis among pregnant women have increased from 2012 to 2014 and accompany rises in congenital syphilis and syphilitic stillbirths, according to data presented at the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service Conference.
“Syphilis is a preventable sexually transmitted infection that causes adverse outcomes of pregnancy, including syphilitic stillbirths and congenital syphilis in live-born infants,” Charnetta L. Williams, MD, of the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service, told Infectious Disease News. “During 2012-2014, there was a 25% increase in syphilis cases among pregnant women and a 37% increase in the number of infants born with congenital syphilis.”
Charnetta L. Williams
In their analysis of national syphilis case report data, Williams and colleagues calculated the annual percentage change in syphilis cases among pregnant women and infants, including stillbirths. Identified trends were stratified by geographic region and race.
Among the 30,911 women infected with syphilis during the study period, 16.7% were pregnant, the researchers reported. Annual syphilis infections among pregnant women grew 25% (1,561 cases to 1,955 cases), with 24% of female syphilis cases occurring in pregnant women in 2014. Greater increases were seen among congenital syphilis (37%) and stillbirth (67%) reports.
Syphilis cases increased among all U.S. regions except the Midwest (0.4% decrease). Conversely, the majority of all syphilis cases among pregnant women in 2014 were reported in the South (58%). Although non-Hispanic black women accounted for 47% of reported cases, the greatest increases were observed among American Indians/Alaska Natives (200%) and non-Hispanic whites (47%).
“To prevent congenital syphilis, all pregnant women should be screened for syphilis at their first prenatal visit, according to CDC recommendations,” Williams said. “In addition, women living in high morbidity areas and at high risk should be rescreened early in the third trimester and again at delivery.” – by Dave Muoio
Reference:
Williams CL, et al. Increased cases of syphilis among pregnant women and infants — United States, 2012-2014. Presented at: Epidemic Intelligence Service Conference: May 2-5, 2016; Atlanta.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.