Improving the detection of congenital syphilis: reviewing test utility and adherence to recommendations

Western Australia (WA) has experienced a resurgence of congenital syphilis. Appropriate microbiology testing of the neonate is recommended to confirm infection, including syphilis immunoglobulin M (IgM), rapid plasma reagin (RPR) paired with a maternal sample, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on placenta and nasal swabs.

Citation:
Lim SMJ, Gooding H, Walczak A, ……. Foley DA. Improving the detection of congenital syphilis: reviewing test utility and adherence to recommendations. Pathology. 2024.

Keywords:
Congenital syphilis; molecular; neonate; rapid plasma reagin; serology; syphilis IgM; testing.

Abstract:
Western Australia (WA) has experienced a resurgence of congenital syphilis. Appropriate microbiology testing of the neonate is recommended to confirm infection, including syphilis immunoglobulin M (IgM), rapid plasma reagin (RPR) paired with a maternal sample, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on placenta and nasal swabs.