Congenital syphilis other diagnostic studies
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]Aravind Kuchkuntla, M.B.B.S[3]
Overview
Overview
Pathologic examination of the placenta or umbilical cord by using specific fluorescent antitreponemal antibody staining and CSF analysis can be done.
Other Diagnostic Findings
Other Diagnostic Findings
CSF Analysis
Indications : Lumbar puncture is indicated in the following situations.[1]
- If the infant or child has signs and symptoms of congenital Syphilis.
- If there is no documentation of treatment for maternal infection during the period of gestation.
- If the mother was treated within 4 weeks of delivery.
- If the mother was inadequately treated or documentation of the treatment is incomplete.
- A four-fold decline in titer following therapy in the mother is not documented.
CSF Findings:
- Reactive CSF VDRL. [2]
- CSF pleocytosis(>25 white blood cells [WBC]/microL for infants <1 month)
- Elevated CSF protein (>150 mg/dL in term infants <1 month of age and >170 mg/dL in preterm infants <1 month of age)
References
References
- ↑ Phiske, MeghanaMadhukar (2014). “Current trends in congenital syphilis”. Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS. 35 (1): 12. doi:10.4103/0253-7184.132404. ISSN 0253-7184.
- ↑ Workowski KA, Bolan GA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015). “Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015”. MMWR Recomm Rep. 64 (RR-03): 1–137. PMID 26042815.
Looking for the patient version?
© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH