Congenital syphilis distribution in the State of Tocantins, Brazil, 2007-2015

Epidemiol Serv Saude. 2020;29(2):e2018477. doi: 10.5123/s1679-49742020000200017. Epub 2020 May 8.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: to describe the epidemiological profile of congenital syphilis (CS) in Tocantins, from 2007 to 2015.

Methods: this was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted with data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN) and the Live Birth Information System (SINASC).

Results: 1,029 CS cases were reported; mean CS incidence was 4.6/1,000 Live Births (LB), increasing from 3.1/1,000 LB in 2007 to 9.8/1,000 LB in 2015 (increase of 216.1%); municipalities located in the central and northern regions of the state had the highest rates; the majority of mothers of newborn babies were 15-24 years old, had elementary school education, started prenatal care in the third trimester of pregnancy, and received inadequate prenatal care.

Conclusion: high occurrence of congenital syphilis in Tocantins requires immediate intensification of CS surveillance and improved prenatal care quality, especially in municipalities with higher incidence.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Health Information Systems
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / microbiology
  • Prenatal Care / standards
  • Prenatal Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Syphilis / epidemiology*
  • Syphilis / transmission
  • Syphilis, Congenital / epidemiology*
  • Young Adult