Which pathogen is associated with stillbirth?

Syphilis is notably associated with stillbirth due to its potential to cause severe maternal-fetal complications. The treponema pallidum bacteria, which causes syphilis, can cross the placenta during pregnancy and affect the fetus. This can lead to a range of adverse outcomes, including fetal death, stillbirth, and congenital syphilis.

In cases where syphilis is present during pregnancy, especially if left untreated, the risk of stillbirth significantly increases. The infection can lead to placental insufficiency, infections, and other complications that compromise fetal wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of timely screening and treatment for syphilis in pregnant individuals.

While the other pathogens can also cause various complications during pregnancy, their associations with stillbirth are not as established as that of syphilis. For instance, while HIV can lead to adverse outcomes for the mother and child, and while gonorrhea and herpes simplex virus can cause serious infections, they are less directly connected to stillbirth in the same way that syphilis is. Thus, syphilis stands out as the pathogen with a clear link to stillbirth when considering these options.