Increased syphilis testing may help reduce number of infant mortalities

A recent article published by Reuters reported that approximately one million babies die each year around the world because they are infected with syphilis in utero or during delivery. Although this problem is most prevalent in less-developed countries, it also occurs in the U.S.

The news provider cited a study that appeared in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases, which indicated that the number of infant deaths can be curbed if more pregnant women are screened and treated for the sexually transmitted disease (STD) before they are 28 weeks into their pregnancy.

"What this review shows is that screening is extremely effective at bringing down death rates and illness rates, but unfortunately the majority of pregnant women in the world are still not screened for syphilis," said lead researcher Sarah Hawkes, quoted by the news source.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 35,000 new cases of syphilis diagnosed each year in the U.S. However, individuals who have been infected with the STD may not know it since symptoms are rarely noticeable at first.

The organization adds that nearly 350 American babies are born with syphilis each year.