QuidelOrtho Podcast Reveals 4,000 Congenital Syphilis Cases Despite Early-Stage Declines
QuidelOrtho’s Science Bytes podcast episode 57 reports early-stage syphilis cases declined for a second year while congenital syphilis rose to nearly 4,000 cases in 2024. The episode outlines how repeat prenatal testing, combined treponemal and non-treponemal assays and expanded screening beyond obstetric care can close critical diagnostic gaps.
1. Podcast Episode Highlights Syphilis Trends
QuidelOrtho released episode 57 of its Science Bytes podcast, featuring its Director of Scientific Affairs and Regulatory to analyze national syphilis surveillance data. The discussion emphasizes evolving patterns in infection rates and the urgent need to address congenital cases.
2. Diverging Syphilis Trends and Data
Provisional CDC data show a second consecutive year of decline in primary and secondary syphilis, while congenital syphilis surged to nearly 4,000 cases in 2024. This divergence underscores missed screening opportunities during pregnancy despite the infection’s preventability.
3. Diagnostic Strategies to Improve Screening
The episode details how combining treponemal and non-treponemal tests enhances active infection detection and why single prenatal screenings miss late-onset cases. It also highlights the role of emergency department and opt-out testing to catch asymptomatic infections.
4. Actionable Steps for Health Systems
Recommendations include universal repeat screening in pregnancy, electronic health record prompts and treating every pregnancy-related visit as an opportunity for syphilis testing. Implementing these measures could close critical gaps and reduce congenital infections.