Acquired Syphilis by Nonsexual Contact in Childhood

Abstract

Following evaluation, it was considered that sexual abuse was unlikely. However, if examination and psychosocial evaluation do not support it, other ways of transmission must be considered. Overcrowded and poor household conditions boost the risks for nonsexual treponema transmission. An infected member of the family or a caretaker are a particular risk to an infant due to common practices such as using saliva to moisten the rubber nipples of the milk bottles or trying the food temperature using the lips before feeding the infants.