Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - Syphillis ( Treponema pallidum)

1/20/2024

Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - Syphillis ( Treponema pallidum)
Syphilis
Treponema pallidum is a bacterium causing primary syphilis.
It is a spirochete bacterium that is classified as Gram-negative.
Treponema pallidum is typically spread by sexual intercourse. Congenital conditions are caused by the transmission of infections through the placenta.
Both primary and secondary lesions have a high level of contagiousness.

The etiological agent responsible for syphilis. There are four prevalent kinds of disease: primary, secondary, tertiary, and congenital syphilis. Primary syphilis is distinguished by the presence of a painless ulcer or chancre that heals without intervention.
Secondary syphilis is a widespread condition that often appears 1-3 months after the first infection. It is characterized by a rash consisting of flat and raised spots that can appear all over the body. Additionally, there are moist raised lesions on the mucous membranes and genitals, known as condylomata lata. Tertiary syphilis may manifest years after initial infection, affecting many organs such as the skin and bones with the formation of granulomas (known as gummas), chronic meningitis, dementia, and aortic aneurysms. Congenital syphilis results in a variety of neurological and cardiac problems.

Treponema pallidum cannot be cultivated in a culture medium devoid of cells. It can be observed using dark-field microscopy or diagnosed using direct fluorescent testing. The diagnosis involves the use of serology tests for both nontreponemal antigens (RPR and VDRL tests) and treponemal antigens (such as FTA-ABS and MHA-TP). The levels of nontreponemal antibody will increase during infection and decrease following effective treatment. Treponemal antibody titers validate the results of nontreponemal tests, but remain positive indefinitely.

Benzathine penicillin is utilized for therapeutic purposes. Prevention entails the adoption of safe sexual behaviors as well as the prompt diagnosis and treatment of any potential issues.