: Clinical Signs of Congenital Syphilis

: What This Assessment Is

: Congenital syphilis occurs when the bacterium that causes syphilis is transmitted from a pregnant person to the fetus. This entry captures the clinical (physical) signs a clinician observes during examination of the infant, rather than a laboratory measurement.

: Signs Clinicians Look For

: Healthcare providers examine the baby for findings that may include rash, jaundice, nasal discharge, bone or joint changes, enlarged liver or spleen, and other abnormalities. Because signs can be subtle or absent at birth, a thorough physical exam is important.

: How It Fits With Other Tests

: Physical findings are considered together with the mother's syphilis test results and the infant's own blood tests, such as serology and other laboratory studies. No single sign or test confirms the diagnosis on its own.

: What Happens Next

: If signs are present or risk is high, the care team may recommend additional testing and treatment. Early identification and treatment generally lead to better outcomes for the infant.