The problem of maternal syphilis after serologic surveillance during pregnancy

Gilles R G Monif, Byron R. Williams, Stanford T. Shulman, Hermann Baer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Because of an initial case of congenital syphilis occurring in the off spring of a gravida who acquired infection in the interim between initial treponemal serologic testing and parturition, 1,000 maternal delivery serum specimens from gravida whose interim between the initial VDRL and parturition exceeded 90 days were screened using the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) card test. The specificity of a positive microflocculation reaction was confirmed by the fluorescent Treponema antibody absorption (FTA-Abs) test. Two additional cases of maternal syphilis prior to parturition were documented. While these cases may constitute isolated experiences, serious thought should be given to the screening of mothers prior to or at parturition for evidence of infection with Treponema pallidum until such time as the incidence of syphilis in the community is markedly reduced.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)268-270
Number of pages3
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume117
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 15 1973

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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