Alert! Infectious Syphilis Sexually Transmitted Diseases Also Stalk Babies

Alert! Infectious Syphilis Sexually Transmitted Diseases Also Stalk Babies

Infectious sex such as syphilis aka the king of lions is usually very vulnerable to occur in people who do not have sex safely or mutually spouse. Although it is indeed experienced by many adults, in fact this infectious disease may occur in infants. In fact, the little one has been infected since he was still in the womb. This happens because the mother has syphilis to infect her fetus. This condition is called congenital syphilis. So, how dangerous is congenital syphilis for the baby? Can it be cured?

Congenital syphilis, a life threatening infection

Congenital syphilis is a serious infection that can result in lifelong disability and death in newborns. Pregnant women infected with Treponema pallidum can transmit the bacteria to the fetus through the placenta into the body of the fetus.

Congenital syphilis is a life-threatening infection because it can attack various organ systems in the developing fetus's body. Syphilis infections can affect various organs of the body including the brain, lymphatic system to bones.

Pregnant women are very likely to transmit infection to the fetus, especially if the disease is not treated and occurs in the second trimester. This infection can also increase the risk of low birth weight, premature birth, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

Symptoms experienced by babies

Initially, a live-born baby from a mother who has syphilis may look healthy and fine. But over time some symptoms can arise. Usually babies under 2 years who experience congenital syphilis will experience:

Bone disorders

Enlarged liver

Did not experience significant weight gain compared to the weight at birth

Often fussy

Meningitis

Anemia

The skin breaks around the mouth, genital and anus

A rash appears on the skin

Cannot move arms and legs

Frequent discharge from the nose

In infants and children, the symptoms of congenital syphilis can be:

Tooth growth abnormalities

Impaired bone

Blindness or interference with the cornea

Hearing loss to deafness

Impaired nasal bone growth

Swelling of joints

Skin disorders around the mouth, genital and anus.

How can congenital syphilis be recognized?

Early detection of disease in pregnant women can be done by conducting various blood tests such as Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbed tests (FTA-ABS), Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and Venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL). Detection and treatment as early as possible will be very useful to prevent transmission to the fetus.

In a newborn, if a syphilis infection is suspected, placental examination can be carried out accompanied by a physical examination of the baby for symptoms in the organs of the body. Physical examination of the baby includes:

X-rays in bones

Eye examination

Microscopic examination of syphilis bacteria

Blood test (same as for pregnant women).

How to deal with cases of congenital syphilis in infants?

In pregnant women, treatment will only be effective if syphilis infection occurs in the initial phase by administering penicillin-specific antibiotics by a doctor. The treatment of advanced syphilis will be very dangerous for the fetus so that it can cause a reaction to spontaneous abortion.

If the baby has been born, handling the infection also uses specific antibiotics by the doctor as early as possible in the first 7 days after birth. The antibiotic drug administration regimen will also depend on the condition of the baby's weight and the history of infection and treatment of the pregnant woman.

The final symptoms in elderly infants to children prescribed antibiotics may also be needed with a gradual reduction of antibiotic doses and also accompanied by specific treatment for other organs that may be affected by infections such as the eyes and ears.

Can this congenital syphilis be prevented?

Congenital syphilis infection is very dependent on the condition and history of infection in pregnant women. Applying safe sexual behavior before the conception period can prevent you from infection and the risk of transmitting syphilis. If you feel at risk of experiencing a syphilis infection, immediately consult a doctor. Treatment as early as possible can avoid syphilis infection in the advanced phase.

Examination in pregnant women should also be done as early as possible in the first trimester of pregnancy. Examination must also be done again if the pregnant woman is diagnosed by other sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy.

Opportunities for recovery for mothers and babies avoid infection are very large if syphilis is detected and treated early. In some cases, syphilis treated during the late pregnancy can eliminate infection in pregnant women but symptoms of syphilis infection can still be seen in newborns.