Congenital syphilis

**Definition:** A disease caused by an infection with the gram-negative bacteria Treponema pallidum pallidum in utero. This disease may present with clinical signs depending on the stage of disease. Transmission is by vertical transmission.

**Long definition:** Syphilis acquired in utero and manifested by any of several characteristic tooth (Hutchinsons teeth) or bone malformations and by active mucocutaneous syphilis at birth or shortly thereafter. Ocular and neurologic changes may also occur.