‘Unveiling the hidden threat: Delayed presentation of congenital syphilis’

Abstract

Maternal and congenital syphilis are a major public health problem worldwide. The World Health Organization and Centre for Disease Control both recommend routine screening of pregnant females for syphilis. Despite guidelines in place, maternal syphilis often remains undiagnosed and untreated and there is currently a surge in cases of congenital syphilis. We present a case of a 3-month-old male illustrating a delayed diagnosis of congenital syphilis despite characteristic skin lesions, hepatosplenomegaly, haemolytic anaemia, failure to thrive and history of untreated syphilis in the mother. This case highlights the need to strengthen existing guidelines for intensive screening and early treatment for maternal syphilis. It also underscores the importance of increased awareness amongst paediatricians and dermatologists regarding overlapping clinical features of congenital syphilis.