Epidemiological profile of cases of congenital syphilis in Belém City, Pará State, from 2009 to 2018

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital Syphilis (CS) is a systemic infectious disease caused by the bacterium spirochete Treponema pallidum, of vertical transmission, trans placentally, resulting from the non-treatment or inadequate treatment of infected mothers, thus determining alarming numbers in the national territory, as in Belém City (Pará State). Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile and incidence rate of CS in Belém, Pará. Methods: Quantitative, ecological, and descriptive study, conducted based on data available on DATASUS/TABNET from 2009 to 2018. Results: A total of 1,109 cases of CS were reported in Belém City. The mean incidence rate in this period was 5.4/1000 live births. As for newborns, 1,031 (92.97%) were diagnosed in the first week of life, 499 (45.00%) were male, 742 (66.91%) were pardo, and 860 (77.55%) classified as CS. Regarding maternal characteristics, the age group was inadequately filled in 100% of notifications, 476 (42.92%) had their level of education ignored at the time of filling out the forms, 768 (69.25%) underwent prenatal care, 490 (44.19%) were diagnosed with congenital syphilis at the time of delivery/curettage, and 636 (53.35%) reported no partner treatment. Conclusion: The profile studied showed an incidence rate above the parameters established for control, reflecting the increase in social inequalities, the lack of information about the disease, failure to register health organs, especially on the maternal age analyzed, low prevalence in the appropriate treatment of pregnant women’s partners, resonating the need for improvements in the notification system.