SÍFILIS CONGÊNITA: A FRAGILIDADE DA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.521122501048

• Palavras-chave: Sífilis; Treponema pallidum; Sífilis congênita; Transmissão vertical; Pré-Natal; Atenção primária.

• Keywords: Syphilis; Treponema pallidum; Congenital syphilis; Vertical transmission; Prenatal; Primary care.

• Abstract: Syphilis is a chronic, infectious, systemic disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, and is considered reemerging in developing countries, including Brazil. Congenital syphilis is the result of transmission of the bacteria through the bloodstream of an infected pregnant woman to her unborn child via the placenta or through direct contact with the lesion during childbirth, via vertical transmission. It is a disease with well-established management, however, diagnosis and treatment can be challenging due to failures in primary care. The diagnosis of congenital syphilis highlights structural weaknesses in the public health system, especially in Primary Health Care, aggravated by socioeconomic inequalities, gaps in epidemiological surveillance and challenges in providing care to vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women. It is concluded that intersectoral interventions, continuous public policies and investments in Primary Care infrastructure, professional training and encouragement of sexual education in schools and communities are essential to minimize the impact of syphilis on pregnant women.