Question

Near the end of the first week of life, an infant who has not been treated for any infection develops a copper-colored, maculopapular rash on the palms and around the mouth and anus. The newborn is showing signs of:

a. Gonorrhea.
b. Congenital syphilis.
c. Herpes simplex virus infection.
d. Human immunodeficiency virus.

Answer 1

The described symptoms are indicative of congenital syphilis, a severe condition that can cause tissue damage in infants, highlighting the importance of early prenatal screening.

Step-by-step explanation:

The newborn infant with a copper-colored, maculopapular rash on the palms and around the mouth and anus at the end of the first week of life, who has not been treated for any infection, is showing signs of congenital syphilis. The described rash, along with other potential complications such as osteochondritis, anemia, blindness, bone deformations, and neurological symptoms, is indicative of congenital syphilis. This condition can lead to significant tissue damage to organs and teeth in infants. It is crucial for expectant mothers to be screened for syphilis infection during the first trimester of pregnancy as part of the TORCH panel of prenatal tests to detect and prevent congenital syphilis.