Syphilis in Pregnancy: Seroprevalence of Non-Treponemic Antibodies in a Clinical Analysis Laboratory

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the serumprevalence of non-treponemal antibodies in pregnant women seen in a clinical analysis laboratory in the northwest of Rio Grande do Sul.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out, through which non-treponemal syphilis screening tests (VDRL) of pregnant women seen in a clinical analysis laboratory in the northwest of Rio Grande do Sul during 2018 were evaluated. Reagent VDRL examination, indicative of syphilis, was considered when the test titer was greater than 1: 4.

Results: Of the 75 pregnant women with a request for a VDRL exam, 10 (13.3%) obtained a VDRL result with a titre greater than 1: 4, this value being suggestive of positivity for syphilis.

Conclusion: In this study, we evidenced an important serumprevalence of non-treponemal antibodies in pregnant women, reinforcing the need for public policies on social and health actions aimed at preventing the transmission of Treponema pallidum, as well as to carry out early diagnosis and treatment, in order to reduce Maternal Syphilis and, consequently, Congenital Syphilis.