Congenital Syphilis

 The first step in treating your child is forming an accurate and complete diagnosis.

• A simple blood test can determine if a mother or her child has syphilis.

For older infants, in which the disease has progressed, an eye exam, bone x-ray or spinal tap can detect the presence of syphilis in the eyes, bones or brain and central nervous system, respectively.

If you are pregnant and know that you’ve been exposed to syphilis, ask your doctor to perform a test.

After we complete all necessary tests, Children’s Hospital Boston’s experts meet to review and discuss what they have learned. Then we will meet with you and your family to discuss the results and outline the best treatment options.