Which treatment is recommended for mothers diagnosed with untreated early syphilis?

Benzathine penicillin G is the recommended treatment for mothers diagnosed with untreated early syphilis. This antibiotic is effective in treating syphilis because penicillin is the first-line treatment for this infection; it is highly effective in clearing the Treponema pallidum bacteria that cause syphilis. Early treatment is crucial to prevent transmission of the infection to the fetus during pregnancy, which can lead to severe complications, including stillbirth, neonatal death, and congenital syphilis.

Benzathine penicillin G is particularly preferred in pregnancy due to its safety profile and effectiveness. It is administered as an intramuscular injection and provides long-lasting protection against the infection. Other options mentioned, such as azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and metronidazole, are not recommended for treating syphilis during pregnancy. Azithromycin can be considered for certain types of bacterial infections but has not been shown to be effective for treating syphilis. Ciprofloxacin and metronidazole are not effective against Treponema pallidum and are instead used for other types of bacterial infections. Thus, benzathine penicillin G remains the gold standard for treating early syphilis in pregnant women.