Nonvenereal transmission of syphilis in infancy by mouth-to-mouth transfer of prechewed food.

Early recognition of acquired syphilis in childhood is vital. Children may acquire syphilis as a consequence of kissing, breast-feeding, or handling. We report 2 cases of infantile syphilis transmitted by mouth-to-mouth feeding from actively infected relatives. Syphilis should be suspected in children presenting with atypical rashes accompanied by headache, sore throat, and adenitis, especially if family members are affected by active syphilis.