A recently published video shows a clear case of untreated congenital syphilis, featuring a typical deformity known as “saber shins” – an anterior bowing of the tibia, which is a classic sign of this condition.
🧬 What is congenital syphilis?
It is an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. This infection is entirely preventable if diagnosed and treated early during prenatal checkups.
Typical clinical signs of congenital syphilis include:
- Saber-shaped legs
- Frontal bossing (prominent forehead)
- Saddle nose deformity
- Hutchinson’s teeth (notched, peg-shaped permanent teeth)
- Skin lesions or swelling (hygromas) in newborns
Diagnosis is made through serological testing such as VDRL and FTA-ABS, while the treatment of choice remains penicillin – a highly effective and safe antibiotic for both mother and baby.
