Congenital Syphilis: A rare acquired chronic infectious
disorder characterized by low birth weight, fever, rash, and/or saber shins.
Other clinical features may include hardening of the umbilical cord,
hypercholesterolemia in infancy, anemia, hepatosplenomegaly and mental
retardation. It is caused by the Treponema pallidum bacteria. Fetal syphilis acquired from the
mother may be apparent at birth or during early infancy, however, in many
individuals, several years may pass before symptoms are recognized.