Congenital syphilis is a variety acquired by a fetus in utero from the mother.
Formerly called also lues. The VDRL and RPR tests are the most commonly used. If these tests are inconclusive, tests for serum antibody may be done. A positive test for syphilis should be repeated. A false positive result can be due to other diseases such as malaria, leprosy, and advanced pulmonary tuberculosis, and therefore should not be ignored.