Congenital and gestational syphilis in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To analyse the epidemiologic profile of congenital and gestational syphilis in Southeastern Brazil and to verify factors associated with this disease’s predominance. Methods: This is a descriptive epidemiologic study conducted from January 2010 to December 2019. Secondary data used in this study were obtained from Brazilian Geography and Statistics Institute (IBGE) and Brazilian Ministry of Health (MS). Results: Cases of congenital and gestational syphilis are related to a low educational level, racial minorities and a higher risk of preterm labor due to late presentation to prenatal care. In this study’s interval, we observed an increase in the detection rate and a decrease in the number of stillbirths caused by congenital syphilis. Conclusion: In most years of analysis, there is a growing tendency of cases of syphilis, which are reported mostly during latent and primary stages. The majority of reported cases are associated with racial minorities in a vulnerable condition regarding socioeconomic status and educational level. Furthermore, this study reveals a decrease of abortions and stillbirths, while the death rate of children below one year of age due to complications of congenital syphilis has increased.

Keywords: Congenital syphilis; Gestational syphilis; Prenatal care.