This recent article in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) highlights the importance of screening for syphilis.
An increase in infectious syphilis notifications has tripled over the last 10 years in Australia. Of particular concern is the increasing rates of syphilis in females of reproductive age. Infections during pregnancy can be passed to the baby causing congenital syphilis which can result in serious fetal complications or death. There were 4 cases of congenital syphilis in NSW in 2023 all of which could have been avoided with treatment of the mother during pregnancy.
As per our previous commitment statement “The AH&MRC is committed to the elimination of Congenital Syphilis in Australia as a priority for Aboriginal communities across NSW…”
To help achieve this elimination, antenatal screening is critical as outlined in the NSW Health Policy Directive :
- Syphilis screening at the first antenatal visit blood screen
- Second syphlis screening at 26-28 weeks gestation
- Additional syphilis screening at 36 weeks and birth should be offered to pregnant women deemed as having an identified risk of infection
- Opportunistic screening for pregnant women who have received minimal or no antenatal care or are at risk of missing an appointment; these women should be offered opportunistic screening for syphilis and blood-borne viruses Hepatitis B and HIV when they present, regardless of gestation.
Additional resources and education on when to screen for syphilis can be found on the ASHM website.
Let’s work together to eliminate Congenital Syphilis!
