Abstract

SARACENI, Valéria et al. Surveillance of syphilis in pregnancy. Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde [online]. 2007, vol.16, n.2, pp.103-111. ISSN 1679-4974.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S1679-49742007000200005.

Congenital syphilis (CS) is still ongoing as a huge public health matter. This paper describes the surveillance of syphilis in pregnancy by the Municipal Health Secretariat of Rio de Janeiro, from 1999 to 2004. The analysis was done based upon the quarterly reports sent by the municipal health units, using Epi Info 6.04 d [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of The United States of America (CDC/USA)]. Their results were: more than 70% of pregnant women were subjected to VDRL testing; mean gestational age at testing of 19 weeks; low proportion of partners treated during pregnancy; and reduction on both syphilis in pregnancy and incidence of congenital syphilis, although high level rates of these diseases still persist. The results also point out the relevance of surveillance strategy for syphilis in pregnancy, regarding the goal of congenital syphilis elimination. Only a better antenatal care, achieved by means of training health care providers, will allow the reduction of vertical transmission of syphilis.

Keywords : epidemiological surveillance; congenital syphilis; pregnancy; antenatal care.

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