Congenital syphilis presenting as swelling of fingers and toes.

Congenital syphilis has varied manifestations in first two years of life. A case of 4-month-old child who was presented with painless swelling of finger and toes is reported. Family history was suggestive of syphilis in parents and one sibling. VDRL test in serum was positive in 1:128 dilution. Treponema pallidum haemagglutination test was positive. The child was treated with crystalline penicillin and responded favourably. Incidence of syphilis was declining though there has been a resurgence in the number of cases in certain countries and it remains endemic in others-3. Congenital syphilis results from transplacental transmission of spirochaetes and has varied manifestations in first two years of life. A case of congenital syphilis presenting as swelling of fingers and toes of a 4-month-old child is presented. (excerpt)