Elimination of Congenital Syphilis in Thailand: What can be done during antenatal period?

Abstract

Congenital syphilis (CS) is an infection in infants born to mothers infected by Treponema
pallidum. It is transmitted via placenta or direct exposure to vaginal secretion during vaginal
birth. World Health Organization aims to eliminate CS by 2015, which is defied as an incidence
of 0.5 cases or fewer per 1,000 births. Thailand has already achieved the goal for many years.
However, new syphilis cases have been increasingly reported, especially among young people.
The National Guideline on the management for the elimination of congenital syphilis in Thailand,
2015 has been developed to tackle the problem and enhance the healthcare system for this
preventable condition. The optimal goal is to reduce the incidence of CS to less than 0.05 per
1,000 livebirths by 2020. For early detection and early treatment, the guideline focuses on the
early ANC and the same-day-result testing of syphilis for pregnant women with late or no ANC.
We, obstetricians, can play essential roles in this mission.