Household Syphilis (Syphilis Œconomica), with Observations on Acquired Syphilis in Infants

The transmission of syphilis by other means than sexual intercourse is probably commoner than we are wont to suppose. We always receive the protestations of syphilitic adults that ?coitus has not been the source of infection with a scepticism which worldly wisdom goes far to justify. But every now and again a case of acquired syphilis in a child raises a doubt whether we do not underestimate the frequency of the spread of syphilis by domestic and accidental as opposed to venereal contagion. I have lately met with some instances of family spread of syphilis which have impressed upon me this important aspect of the disease. In the face of public apathy and ignorance of the transmissibility of so terrible an infection, it is as well to remind ourselves and the public that the great-pox may be communicated in the household from one member to another, if less frequently, not less innocently than the smallpox. We are inclined to forget Colles' view1: "The readiness with which this disease is communicated by contact cannot be exceeded in this property by any other disease with which I am acquainted. I look upon it as equally infectious with the itch itself. Another manner in which the disease is made to spread through the family is by the use of the same spoon, and drinking out of the same vessel with another of the family to whose mouth the disease may have spread. Those who are acquainted with the very scanty furniture of an Irish cabin will readily comprehend with what facility and rapidity the disease can be propagated in this manner."