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Vol. 30. Issue S1.
XXIV Brazilian Congress of Infectious Diseases 2025
(March 2026)
Vol. 30. Issue S1.
XXIV Brazilian Congress of Infectious Diseases 2025
(March 2026)
112
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ANALYSIS OF THE PROFILE OF CONGENITAL SYPHILIS IN BRAZIL: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL APPROACH (2007–2023)

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Lohana Almeida da Cruz das Chagas
Corresponding author
lohanacruz15@gmail.com

Corresponding author.
, Filipe Urbainski, Gabriela Schmitz, Julia Helena Martim, Marina Medeiros Flores da Cunha, Maria Eduarda Guisoni Elias, Beatriz Lima Carpilovsky, Kamilly Lúcia de Carvalho, Ana Laura Zardo, João Vitor Passold, Anna Clara Bertoldi Adriano
Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB), Blumenau, SC, Brazil
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Vol. 30. Issue S1

XXIV Brazilian Congress of Infectious Diseases 2025

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Introduction/Objectives

Congenital syphilis is an infection caused by Treponema pallidum transmitted vertically during pregnancy or childbirth. It presents a broad clinical spectrum, potentially leading to stillbirth, prematurity, bone malformations, blindness, deafness, neurological impairment, and neonatal death. Given its public health importance, this study aimed to analyze congenital syphilis cases in Brazil, emphasizing temporal trends and regional disparities.

Methods

Retrospective study based on data from Brazil’s Ministry of Health Syphilis in Pregnant Women and Congenital Syphilis Monitoring Panel. Variables analyzed included age at diagnosis, reporting state, and clinical outcomes from 2007 to 2023.

Results

During the period analyzed, the Southeast region accounted for 129,477 cases (43.49%), with Rio de Janeiro reporting 52,967 notifications. Regarding outcomes, 86.61% of newborns were alive, 1.57% died due to the condition, 4.18% resulted in miscarriage, and 3.23% were stillbirths. In the South, 37,489 cases (12.59%) were recorded, with Rio Grande do Sul reporting the highest number (21,883). Of these, 87.33% were alive, 1.42% died, 5.17% resulted in miscarriage, and 2.73% were stillbirths. In the Northeast, 88,377 cases (29.68%) were identified, led by Pernambuco (22,133 cases). Among them, 86.5% of newborns were alive, 1.76% died, 3% were miscarriages, and 3.35% stillbirths. The Center-West recorded 16,601 cases (5.58%), with Goiás contributing 6,276. Of these, 86.54% were alive, 1.59% died, 2.78% miscarried, and 3.28% were stillbirths. The North region registered 25,681 cases (8.62%), with Pará reporting 11,607. In this region, 90.3% of newborns were alive, 1.34% died, 1.80% miscarried, and 2.32% were stillbirths.

Conclusion

The data reveal substantial regional inequalities in congenital syphilis indicators across Brazil, reflecting persistent gaps in access to diagnosis and prenatal care. Strengthening public policies to expand coverage and improve prenatal care quality – especially in more vulnerable regions – is essential to prevent vertical transmission and reduce infection-related adverse outcomes.

Keywords:
Congenital syphilis
Sexually transmitted infections
Pediatrics
Children
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