Congenital Syphilis

The rates of chlamydia and syphilis declined dramatically among individuals living with HIV who were prescribed doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis, according to results of a retrospective cohort study.

Syphilis, an STI caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, has re-emerged as a major public health threat in the United States, with rates skyrocketing over the past decade.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released a draft recommendation encouraging physicians to screen for syphilis in people who are pregnant as early as possible.

The number of congenital syphilis-related stillbirths increased annually from 2016 to 2022 in the U.S. while the proportion of cases resulting in stillbirth remained stable, researchers reported in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

From 2022 to 2023, U.S. birth and fertility rates dropped while the percentage of women receiving no prenatal care rose, according to a report from the CDC.

U.S. congenital syphilis rates rose from 2016 to 2020 and were linked to preterm birth, longer hospital length of stay and higher costs with race/ethnicity, insurance, income, admission year and hospital characteristics tied to likelihood.

Late last month, members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced H.R. 8839, the bipartisan Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act.

WHO reported a “major” increase in STIs in 2022, specifically highlighting an increase in syphilis and an insufficient decline in new HIV and viral hepatitis infections.

Belize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the latest nations to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) announced.

Variations in receiving adequate and timely treatment for syphilis during pregnancy highlight the need to address missed opportunities in syphilis testing and treatment, according to results of a surveillance cohort study.