Sífilis em gestantes no município de Fortaleza – CE: perfil epidemiológico e taxa de detecção no período de 2015 a 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Gestational syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that poses a risk of vertical transmission and serious perinatal outcomes, and it also serves as an indicator of social inequalities and the quality of prenatal care. Interest in this topic arose from an experience during an internship at the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit of Fortaleza, through the Academic Mobility Program at the Federal University of Ceará. Fortaleza, Ceará, presents detection rates higher than the national average, concentrated in socially vulnerable areas. Epidemiological analysis through time-series data allows monitoring of trends, sociodemographic profiles, and gaps in healthcare. Objective: To outline the epidemiological profile of syphilis among pregnant women in the municipality of Fortaleza, Ceará, from 2015 to 2024, analyzing the temporal evolution of detection rates during this period. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive ecological study with a quantitative and qualitative approach, based on publicly available secondary data obtained from SINAN, SINASC, TABNET from DATASUS. The sample included pregnant women with reported syphilis in Fortaleza - CE between 2015 and 2024, considering sociodemographic and healthcare-related variables, as well as detection rates. Data were analyzed descriptively, ensuring anonymity and ethical compliance, with the aim of supporting epidemiological surveillance and prevention policies. Results: Between 2015 and 2024, a total of 8,265 cases of syphilis in pregnant women were reported in Fortaleza, Ceará, with the detection rate increasing from 6.0/1,000 live births in 2015 to 42.3/1,000 in 2024. Most diagnoses occurred during prenatal care, although cases detected at delivery and in the postpartum period persist, indicating gaps in early screening. Pregnant women aged 20 to 29 years were the most affected, and most partners did not undergo treatment. Pardo-skinned pregnant women accounted for 77.9% of all cases reported in the period. Latent and ignored/blank clinical forms predominated, reflecting progress in early detection but also limitations in the quality of notifications. Conclusion: Gestational syphilis in Fortaleza - CE remains a public health challenge, requiring ongoing intersectoral actions to ensure equitable and high-quality maternal and child care.