CHLAMYDIA, GONORRHOEA AND SYPHILIS IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY: EFFECTS ON PREGNANCY, THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTION AND TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS DURING GESTATION

Abstract

Objective. To study and illustrate the findings on the influence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis on the outcome of pregnancy and the specifics of treatment recommended during gestation as well as the importance of prevention. Methods. We conducted a literature review of articles found in PubMed, Cochrane, and Mesh databases by using “chlamydia”, “gonorrhoea”, “syphilis”, “pregnancy”, “impact”, “outcome”, “prevalence” and their combinations as keywords. 24 full-text publications and 1 additional source were selected and analysed. Results. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis during pregnancy are associated with undesired pregnancy outcomes. Debates are found in the scientific literature considering the complications possibly caused by the researched infections during pregnancy. The disparity could be attributed to the different serotypes prevailing in the population, the health care system, and social status. Standardized timely treatment in most cases is found effective in preventing possible complications during pregnancy. When choosing therapy, it is important to take into the account the individuality of the case, newest scientific insights and, if indicated, to adjust the treatment. Conclusion. Early diagnosis, preventive programs, and timely treatment are potentially efficacious in reducing the risk of various infection-induced pregnancy complications. It is useful to consider the methodologies used in countries with a high prevalence of the disease, which occasionally differ from universal recommendations.