Congenital syphilis

Congenital syphilis is a severe and potentially life-threatening infection that affects newborn babies, and its caused by the treponema pallidum bacterium. It results from an intrauterine transmission of the bacterium from the mother to the fetus. Congenital syphilis can present with notched (Hutchinson) teeth, persistent snuffles (nasal discharge), saddle nose, and hepatosplenomegaly. Such newborns can also have jaundice and sensorineural deafness. Congenital syphilis can cause a baby to die or develop permanent physical and mental disabilities, if it is not treated. In pregnant women, syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth.