In 2020 a resurgence of congenital syphilis occurred in Western Australia (WA).  Previous to this, syphilis control programmes in WA focused on remote regional areas of Western Australia due to a long- standing syphilis outbreak among Aboriginal communities. The resurgence of congenital syphilis however occurred in metropolitan areas. The change in epidemiology exposed issues with lack of case ascertainment in pregnancy due to the limitations of risk- based screening and lack of optimal antenatal care. Microbiology services have been an essential component of the multidisciplinary response. This presentation will canvass an overview of the WA congenital syphilis outbreak and the outbreak response from the perspective of the microbiology service of the state reference laboratory. Epidemiology, clinical features, changes in screening recommendations and other public health interventions will be discussed. 

  

MacKenzie H, McEvoy S, Porter, M. Congenital syphilis on the rise: the importance of testing and recognition. Med J Aust. 2022 Jul 4;217(1):58.  doi: 10.5694/mja2.51602. Epub 2022 Jun 7.