Gestational syphilis in Brazil between 2008 and 2022: Ethnic disparities and clinical-stage trends

Vieira, Louise Pereira de Moraes and Muniz, Hayana Lara Assunção and Marques, Natália Menezes and Costaa, Raquel Gabrielli Oliveira and Maciel, Thaynara Ramos and Viana, Iolanda Ferreira and Carvalho, Jessica Vitoria Argolo De and Nascimento, Karina de Jesus do and Silva, Giselle Alves and Anchieta, Raiana Bogéa (2025) Gestational syphilis in Brazil between 2008 and 2022: Ethnic disparities and clinical-stage trends. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 21 (2). pp. 410-418. ISSN 2582-5542

This study investigated gestational syphilis trends in Brazil from 2008 to 2022, focusing on ethnic disparities, temporal progression, and clinical-stage distribution. Using retrospective data from Brazil’s Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), we analyzed 410,630 reported cases to quantify annual trends and interactions between ethnicity, time, and disease severity. A Negative Binomial regression model revealed a 35% annual increase in cases (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.20–1.53), with the highest burden observed among the Brown (Parda) population (53.5% of cases). Latent-stage infections predominated (44.2%), followed by primary (37.1%), tertiary (12.1%), and secondary stages (6.6%). Indigenous populations exhibited marginally slower progression (IRR = 0.86, p= 0.090), while no significant differences emerged between Black (Preta) and other ethnic groups. Structural inequities, including delayed diagnosis and inconsistent prenatal care, were linked to persistent latent-stage infections and elevated tertiary-stage rates in marginalized communities. These findings underscore the urgent need for equity-focused interventions, such as expanded rapid testing and culturally tailored healthcare programs, to mitigate Brazil’s escalating syphilis epidemic.