Congenital syphilis is the infection that is present within the uterus and at the time of birth. This condition occurs in a case where a mother is afflicted with secondary or tertiary stage of syphilis. This infection can result in a premature birth, miscarriage, death of the baby and stillbirth as well. In some cases the infant may get the symptoms of this infection at the time of birth while in many cases the symptoms may develop later.

If the babies are not treated then it can result in deformities along with seizure or delay in development. Other problems that can be observed include fever, rash, and jaundice, swelling in spleen and liver as well. In some cases of congenital syphilis the newborn baby may not have any symptoms and the condition may be identified only on screening.

Congenital syphilis normally occurs in children belonging to the age group of 0 to 2 years. Normally a pregnant woman with this condition tends to pass on the infection through the placenta to the child. As many as half the newborns having this condition die either before or after the birth. The symptoms commonly associated with this condition include inability to gain weight, irritability, fever, saddle nose, rash on the genitalia, anus and mouth and congenital pneumonia.

In the case of early congenital syphilis some symptoms that may be observed include rash that is copper colored on soles and palms along with lesions observed in areas of the mouth and diaper regions. The child may also have old man look and have fissured lesions in the region of the mouth. Meningitis may also be observed along with mental retardation in some cases.

In late congenital syphilis hard palate and ulcers involving septum and nose may be observed. Optic atrophy leading to blindness in some cases may also be observed. Corneal scarring caused by interstitial keratitis may also be observed. Among older children having this condition the symptoms include bone pain, peg shaped teeth, blindness, corneal clouding, and hearing problems, joint swelling, scarring of skin in regions of genitalia, mouth and anus. If this disorder is suspected then the placenta may be examined at the time of birth to detect syphilis.

In case of congenital syphilis some tests may be conducted on the mother as well as the infant to determine the condition. Some tests like the rapid plasma regain (RPR), venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL) or fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbed test (FTA-ABS) may be conducted on a mother. An infant may need to undergo some examinations like a bone x-ray, lumbar puncture, eye examination or dark field examination to detect syphilis.

Penicillin is prescribed for treatment of syphilis. If the pregnant woman is treated then the possibility of the infant contracting this infection becomes lower. The prognosis of an infant getting this infection while passing within the birth canal is slightly better. Facial deformity, deafness, blindness and neurological problems are some of the possible complications that can be caused in congenital syphilis. Prenatal care is crucial and blood test during pregnancy allows for identification of women with this condition. This in turn can ensure that the expectant mother having syphilis takes the treatment.