Prevalence of syphilis cases in pregnant women in the State of Minas Gerais from 2017 to 2021

Abstract

Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum, a spirochete bacterium, which can be transmitted sexually, vertically, by contact with contaminated perforating materials and by blood transfusion. Gestational syphilis is defined as all cases with reactive nontreponemal serology, with any titration performed during prenatal care and delivery. It is considered one of the most prevalent maternal infections that can be transmitted to the fetus and is responsible for high rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to outline the epidemiological profile of pregnant women with positive serology for syphilis and to analyze the social factors involved in the period from 2017 to 2021 in the state of Minas Gerais. This is an epidemiological, ecological and descriptive research carried out using secondary data from the SUS Department of Informatics (DATASUS). Made available by the National System of Notifiable Diseases and Diseases - 2007 onwards (SINAN). The results showed an increase in the number of cases of gestational syphilis in the years 2017 to 2020 and a decrease in 2021. The highest rate of infection is concentrated in the profile of pregnant women aged 20 to 29 years and with low education. In addition, it was observed that most cases are identified in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, which constitutes a late diagnosis. It was also evidenced that syphilis is a serious disease, of compulsory notification and amenable to treatment. Its diagnosis during pregnancy is essential, in view of the various maternal-fetal complications that can be avoided.