Congenital Syphilis News and Research

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Most Americans misunderstand which sexually transmitted infections have preventive vaccines

While data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that the total number of U.S. cases of three sexually transmitted infections (STIs) declined from 2022-24, infection rates remain 13% higher than a decade ago. CDC provisional data show more than 2.2 million U.S. cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in 2024.

21 May 2026

Bacterial sexually transmitted infections reach highest level in a decade

The latest Annual Epidemiological Reports from ECDC indicate a surge in bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across Europe.

21 May 2026

Study finds critical gaps in prenatal syphilis screening in Ontario

Congenital syphilis is entirely preventable-yet new research shows critical gaps in prenatal screening that are leaving some infants at risk.

19 May 2026

Study reveals persistent gaps in Ontario’s prenatal syphilis screening coverage

According to new research in CMAJ, 1 in 5 pregnant people in Ontario did not receive timely syphilis screening, which is critical for preventing syphilis infection in newborns (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

19 May 2026

Denmark achieves historic elimination of mother-to-child HIV and syphilis transmission

The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Denmark for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis, recognizing the country's sustained commitment to ensuring every child is born free of these infections.

27 Feb 2026

World Health Organization validates Brazil's elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission

The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Brazil for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, making it the most populous country in the Americas to achieve this historic milestone.

19 Dec 2025

Maldives achieves historic triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of diseases

In a landmark public health achievement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has validated the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, while maintaining its earlier validation (in 2019) for EMTCT of HIV and syphilis.

14 Oct 2025

Single penicillin injection found to be as effective as three doses for early syphilis

Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have found that a single injection of the antibiotic benzathine penicillin G (BPG) successfully treated early syphilis just as well as the three-injection regimen used by many clinicians in the United States and elsewhere.

3 Sep 2025

Congenital syphilis remains a threat to healthy births despite screening

Congenital syphilis remains a critical issue in remote Australia, with healthcare barriers undermining effective STI screening and increasing pregnancy risks.

25 Jul 2025

USPSTF urges universal syphilis screening in pregnancy to prevent congenital infections

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) reaffirms its recommendation for universal syphilis screening in pregnancy, citing strong evidence for early detection and prevention of congenital syphilis. Despite ongoing disparities and rising rates, early screening and treatment remain essential to improving outcomes for mothers and infants.

18 May 2025

Children born with congenital syphilis face higher risk of hospitalization

Children born with syphilis are six times more likely to be admitted to hospital in their first five years of life compared to children not exposed to syphilis from their mother before birth, according to new research.

1 May 2025

Early results of doxy PEP rollout show mixed impact on STIs

As health care services begin offering doxycycline to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), real-world evidence demonstrates that the postexposure strategy, called doxy PEP, is reducing the rate of syphilis and chlamydia, but has had little to no effect on gonorrhea and needs close monitoring for signals of antibiotic resistance.

6 Jan 2025

DoxyPEP reduces chlamydia and syphilis rates in routine care

A new study has found that rates of chlamydia and syphilis plummet among people prescribed doxycycline for sexually transmitted infection prevention in routine clinical care.

6 Jan 2025

Tribal health leaders say feds haven’t treated syphilis outbreak as a public health emergency

Natalie Holt sees reminders nearly everywhere of the serious toll a years-long syphilis outbreak has taken in South Dakota.

7 Nov 2024

Delabeling penicillin allergy to improve syphilis care

About 10% of Americans believe they are allergic to penicillin, and approximately 90% of those patients are not actually allergic.

24 Oct 2024

Boom, now bust: Budget cuts and layoffs take hold in public health

Even as federal aid poured into state budgets in response to the covid-19 pandemic, public health leaders warned of a boom-and-bust funding cycle on the horizon as the emergency ended and federal grants sunsetted.

5 Sep 2024

NIAID awards grants for 10 projects to improve diagnostic tools for syphilis

The National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded grants for 10 projects to improve diagnostic tools for congenital and adult syphilis - conditions currently diagnosed with a sequence of tests, each with limited precision.

3 Sep 2024

WHO report highlights rising STI rates and insufficient progress in HIV and hepatitis control

Global HIV, viral hepatitis epidemics and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to pose significant public health challenges, causing 2.5 million deaths each year, according to a new WHO report - Implementing the global health sector strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections, 2022–2030.

22 May 2024

Washington University expands STI testing and treatment services in St. Louis County

In a bid to improve sexual health and reduce health disparities in the St. Louis area, Washington University infectious diseases physicians are expanding testing and treatment services for sexually transmitted infections in north St. Louis County.

7 May 2024

Rising antimicrobial resistance in STIs: A call for global action

Review delves into the rising challenge of antimicrobial resistance in sexually transmitted infections, underscoring the need for innovative treatments and the critical role of global surveillance in managing diseases like gonorrhea and syphilis.

21 Mar 2024