Congenital syphilis cases rise as penicillin shortage worsens, CDC reports
Congenital syphilis cases in the U.S. reached a 40-year high in 2022, with a national shortage of the only approved antibiotic for treating the infection in pregnant women contributing to the crisis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency reported 21,382 cases in 2022, a 32% increase from 2021, marking the highest number since 1982.
Why is the penicillin shortage a public health concern?
Benzathine penicillin G, the standard treatment for syphilis in pregnant individuals, has faced persistent supply chain disruptions since 2021. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cited manufacturing delays and quality issues at a single production facility as key factors in the shortage. Without timely treatment, syphilis can pass from mother to child during pregnancy, leading to stillbirth, preterm birth, or severe complications in newborns.
How does the shortage affect maternal and infant health?
The CDC emphasizes that untreated syphilis during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital syphilis by up to 70%. In 2022, 1,729 infants were diagnosed with the condition, a 28% rise from 2021. Health officials warn that the shortage has forced some providers to use alternative antibiotics, which are less effective and may contribute to drug resistance. “This is a preventable tragedy,” said Dr. Linda Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. “Every case represents a failure in access to care.”
What steps are being taken to address the crisis?
The FDA has expedited reviews for alternative penicillin formulations and encouraged generic manufacturers to enter the market. Meanwhile, the CDC is urging healthcare providers to screen all pregnant individuals for syphilis at their first prenatal visit and again in the third trimester. State health departments have also expanded outreach to high-risk communities, offering free testing and treatment.
What does the future hold for syphilis prevention?
Public health experts warn that without long-term solutions to the penicillin supply chain, the rise in congenital syphilis will persist. The CDC is collaborating with pharmaceutical companies to diversify production, but officials acknowledge that stabilizing the drug supply could take years. In the interim, advocates are pushing for increased funding for sexually transmitted infection (STI) programs and expanded access to prenatal care.
For more information, visit the CDC’s syphilis prevention page or consult a healthcare provider.