Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a microscopic organism called Treponema pallidum.
This bacterium has a characteristic corkscrew shape when viewed under a particular kind of microscope, and an infection with this bacterium can result in many different findings.
The findings can range from a small painless ulcer, a chancre at the exposure site, or involvement in the eyes, ears, brain, or other organ systems if left untreated. Physical findings of syphilis may not persist long-term, and sometimes, the only way to identify a person who has a syphilis infection is through a series of blood tests.
This matter can make syphilis challenging to diagnose at times. However, highly effective treatment options can completely cure these infections once diagnosed.
In the early 2000s, syphilis hit an all-time low in the United States. During that period, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had hoped to see the complete eradication of syphilis.
Unfortunately, as we moved into the 2010s, slow and steady increases in the total number of syphilis cases in the US persisted. In 2022, the total number of Primary and Secondary Syphilis cases was 17.7 cases per 100,000 people.
In Alabama, this rate was 23.5 cases per 100,000 people (the 13th highest rate in the United States). Unfortunately, these increases in syphilis have translated to increases in congenital syphilis.
Congenital syphilis is an infection passed from mother to child, and this can lead to developmental delay, bone abnormalities, abnormal tooth development, blindness, deafness, and stillbirth. Congenital syphilis can have a devastating effect on a developing baby.
Still, with early identification of the infection in a pregnant mother and early treatment, many of the terrible consequences of congenital syphilis can be avoided.
From 2012 to 2021, congenital syphilis cases have increased by 755%, and according to the CDC, 88% of these cases could have been prevented with timely screening and treatment. In the United States, there were 3,755 cases of congenital syphilis in 2022, and in Alabama, there were 43 cases, which represents the 20th highest count of congenital syphilis cases in the United States.
Given the long-term impacts of congenital syphilis, the ease of blood tests during pregnancy, and effective treatments, every effort must be made to reduce the number of these infections.
Given these concerning increases, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommended that all pregnant persons be screened for syphilis when they first start to receive prenatal care, during the third trimester, and at the time of birth.
This universal recommendation for screening allows for early identification of a syphilis infection, and early treatment leads to improved long-term health outcomes for the infant.
To begin to see improvements in the rates of syphilis in Alabama, we encourage the following:
● If you are sexually active, seek regular screening for sexually transmitted infections.
● If you are pregnant, it is essential that you talk to your pregnancy care provider about following recommended testing guidance for syphilis.
The Jefferson County Department of Health offers comprehensive sexual health testing and treatment. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 205-588-5234 or by accessing self-scheduling online: jcdh.org/SitePages/Programs-Services/Clinics/SelfSchedulingSHProvider.aspx.
