Congenital Syphilis Screening Crucial to Reduce Baby Deaths

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium known as Treponema pallidum. According to statistics, it causes nearly 500,000 still births and new-born deaths worldwide.

Many hundreds of infant lives can be saved if expectant women get themselves screened for syphilis as it can be passed on from a mother to the child in the womb. This condition is medically termed as congenital syphilis.

A recent study of 41,000 women has pointed out the benefits of screening and use of antibiotics which can cut the incidence of baby deaths by 50%.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease which causes rashes and sores. Syphilis can cause lethal harm to the brain, heart, and eyes; it can also turn fatal.



Source: Medindia