Control of mother-to-child transmission of infectious diseases in Brazil: progress in HIV/AIDS and failure in congenital syphilis

In Brazil, syphilis and HIV infection are considered serious public health problems. However, in practice, epidemiological surveillance, prevention measures, and prenatal care seem to be more effective in the control of mother-to-child transmission of the HIV than in the control of transmission of t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cadernos de saúde pública 2007, Vol.23 Suppl 3 (suppl 3), p.S370-S378
Main Authors: Ramos, Jr, Alberto Novaes, Matida, Luiza Harunari, Saraceni, Valéria, Veras, Maria Amélia de S M, Pontes, Ricardo José Soares
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - prevention & control
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - transmission
Brazil
Delivery of Health Care
Female
HIV Infections - prevention & control
HIV Infections - transmission
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical - prevention & control
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
Prenatal Care
PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Syphilis, Congenital - therapy
Syphilis, Congenital - transmission
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Summary:In Brazil, syphilis and HIV infection are considered serious public health problems. However, in practice, epidemiological surveillance, prevention measures, and prenatal care seem to be more effective in the control of mother-to-child transmission of the HIV than in the control of transmission of the Treponema pallidum. Here we discuss the differences in surveillance, prenatal care, and care of the newborn. Important differences were identified. It is concluded that there is an urgent need to establish prevention of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis as a public health priority, using an integrated approach including women's health, children's health, primary health care, and STD/AIDS programs on all governmental levels. These issues also need to be discussed with all stakeholders involved. Important aspects related to the problem are the training of public health professionals, as well as the participation of the community. The elimination of congenital syphilis does not require expensive drugs, and diagnostic tools, but a long-term sustainable approach.
ISSN:0102-311X
1678-4464
0102-311X
DOI:10.1590/S0102-311X2007001500005