Congenital syphilis presenting at two months of age

Congenital syphilis remains a significant health burden globally and can have devastating long-term consequences if unrecognised and untreated, including deformities, hearing loss and premature death. We present a case of congenital syphilis diagnosed after two months of age in a previously healthy infant who developed multiple non-specific signs including rash, nasal snuffles and deranged blood markers. We discuss the importance of keeping rarer conditions such as congenital syphilis in mind during diagnosis, despite previously negative maternal serology.

Dr Beatrice Milligan
Resident Doctor in Paediatrics beatrice.milligan@nhs.net

Dr Katherine Cruickshank
ST5 in Paediatrics

Dr Raju Sunderesan
Consultant Paediatrician
University Hospital Crosshouse, NHS Ayrshire and Arran

Dr Paula Beattie
Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Liam Reilly
Consultant in Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Royal Hospital for Children, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

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Keywords

congenital syphilis; Treponema pallidum

Also published in Infant:

VOLUME 18 ISSUE 2/MARCH 2022

Syphilis: a re-emerging infection with potentially fatal consequences for the neonate

This report discusses a case of a sick newborn who was diagnosed with congenital syphilis. With rising rates of syphilis infection and opportunities for missed antenatal diagnosis, this report aims to remind clinicians of the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of congenital syphilis to prevent serious complications and mortality for the neonate.