TRENDS OF CONGENITAL SYPHILIS IN BRAZIL (2018 – 2023) AND CHALLENGES TO ELIMINATE VERTICAL TRANSMISSION

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital syphilis continues to represent a relevant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries, including Brazil, where its impacts have been potentially aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To analyze the temporal trend of reported cases of congenital syphilis in Brazil between 2018 and 2023, identifying epidemiological patterns and possible gaps in prevention and care strategies. Methods: Ecological time-series study with data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System. Sociodemographic and clinical variables, as well as the time of maternal diagnosis, were assessed using the Prais–Winsten model for trend detection. Results: The incidence of congenital syphilis remained stable throughout the period, despite the continuous increase in detection of the infection in pregnant women. The pandemic negatively impacted access to and quality of prenatal care, and gaps in filling out records limited more detailed analyses of vulnerable groups. Conclusion: The persistence of congenital syphilis, even with increased maternal screening, highlights gaps in the treatment and monitoring of pregnant women. The need to integrate epidemiological surveillance, primary care and public policies to strengthen strategies for preventing vertical transmission in Brazil is reinforced.