The nurse's role in preventing and treating congenital syphilis

Syphilis infection has been increasing globally and in the United States (US) since the mid-2000s, with the US reporting over 3700 cases of congenital syphilis (CS) in 2022. CS results from the perinatal transmission of the Treponema pallidum bacterium and can lead to stillbirth and severe long-term health problems in infants and children. Behavioral, economic, and societal factors increase the risk of perinatal infection and complicate access to testing and treatment. Nurses play a critical role in facilitating timely access to testing, contact tracing, treatment, patient education, and treatment plan adherence. This article discusses the risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, testing, and treatment of CS.