Sífilis congênita no Brasil: importância do diagnóstico precoce e repercussões materno-infantis

Congenital syphilis is an important public health problem in Brazil, resulting from the vertical transmission of Treponema pallidum, mainly through the transplacental route during pregnancy. This infection may lead to adverse outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, low birth weight, and clinical manifestations in the newborn. This study aims to analyze the repercussions of congenital syphilis on maternal and child health, with emphasis on the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment during pregnancy. The review addresses epidemiological aspects of the disease in Brazil, challenges related to the timely detection of infection, and difficulties in ensuring adequate care for pregnant women and exposed newborns. Possible psychosocial repercussions for women are also discussed, including the stigma associated with the infection, when supported by the literature reviewed. This is a qualitative bibliographic study developed through the analysis of scientific publications and official documents related to syphilis and maternal and child health care. The discussion highlights the importance of testing during prenatal care, timely treatment of pregnant women and their sexual partners, when indicated, as well as the clinical and laboratory follow-up of newborns exposed to the infection. It is concluded that addressing congenital syphilis requires integrated actions involving epidemiological surveillance, health education, and the improvement of prenatal and neonatal care, with the aim of preventing vertical transmission and reducing adverse outcomes.