Severe microcephaly, intellectual disability and epilepsy: the ravages of congenital syphilis

According to the recent global and regional estimates of maternal and congenital syphilis, the global maternal syphilis prevalence rate was 0.69% and the estimated congenital syphilis case rate was 473 cases per lakh live births in 2016.1 The highest rates are in Africa, followed by the regions of America and the eastern Mediterranean region.1 In comparison, the South-East Asian region showed a lower maternal syphilis prevalence rate (0.21%) and a lower estimated congenital syphilis case rate (145 cases per lakh live births).1 The exact incidence of congenital syphilis in India is not known, the estimated incidence was 0.6 cases per 1000 live births in 2012.2 Despite the global and regional differences, this preventable cause of neurodisability is not completely eliminated and often escapes a timely diagnosis or treatment. In a Brazilian study of neonates with congenital syphilis and follow-up from birth up to 5 years, congenital syphilis was associated with still births, preterm delivery (