Congenital syphilis is a transplacental fetal infection with T.pallidum
Symptoms & Signs:
Early symptoms (within 2 years of life): flu-like syndrome associated with nasal discharge (snuffles), maculopapular rash, anemia, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly,hydrocephalus, lymphadenopathy, chorioretinitis
Late symptoms (after 2 years of life): Saddle nose, saber shins, short maxilla, frontal bossing, high palatal arch, eighth nerve deafness, interstitial keratitis, triangular or peglike teeth (Hutchinson teeth)
-The most common eye lesion in congenital syphilis: interstitial keratitis
-treatment of the mother during pregnancy prevents congenital syphilis
-All infants born to mothers with positive syphilis tests should have RPR or VDRL test