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Treponema is a gram-negative, microaerophilic Microaerophilic Helicobacter spirochete. Owing to its very thin structure, it is not easily seen on Gram stain Gram stain Klebsiella, but can be visualized using dark-field microscopy. This spirochete contains endoflagella, which allow for a characteristic corkscrew movement. The bacteria Bacteria Bacteria are prokaryotic single-celled microorganisms that are metabolically active and divide by binary fission. Some of these organisms play a significant role in the pathogenesis of diseases. Bacteriology are able to avoid immune recognition Immune Recognition Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta and phagocytosis Phagocytosis The engulfing and degradation of microorganisms; other cells that are dead, dying, or pathogenic; and foreign particles by phagocytic cells (phagocytes). Innate Immunity: Phagocytes and Antigen Presentation by forming a protective coating with fibronectin Fibronectin Glycoproteins found on the surfaces of cells, particularly in fibrillar structures. The proteins are lost or reduced when these cells undergo viral or chemical transformation. They are highly susceptible to proteolysis and are substrates for activated blood coagulation factor VIII. The forms present in plasma are called cold-insoluble globulins. Connective Tissue: Histology. Humans are the only reservoir Reservoir Animate or inanimate sources which normally harbor disease-causing organisms and thus serve as potential sources of disease outbreaks. Reservoirs are distinguished from vectors (disease vectors) and carriers, which are agents of disease transmission rather than continuing sources of potential disease outbreaks. Humans may serve both as disease reservoirs and carriers. Escherichia coli and transmission is through human-to-human contact. The most common species involved in human disease is Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum, which is the causative agent of syphilis Syphilis Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum pallidum (T. p. pallidum), which is usually spread through sexual contact. Syphilis has 4 clinical stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Syphilis. Other clinically relevant species include T. pallidum pertenue, T. pallidum endemicum, and T. carateum. These are the causative organisms for yaws Yaws A systemic non-venereal infection of the tropics caused by treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue. Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta, bejel Bejel Yaws, bejel, and pinta are endemic, nonvenereal treponematoses. The causative organisms are Treponema pallidum pertenue (yaws), T. pallidum endemicum (bejel), and T. carateum (pinta). These treponematoses are generally transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact with infected skin lesions. Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta, and pinta Pinta An infectious disease of the skin caused by treponema carateum that occurs only in the Western hemisphere. Age of onset is between 10 and 20 years of age. This condition is characterized by marked changes in the skin color and is believed to be transmitted by direct person-to-person contact. Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta, respectively.
Last updated: Sep 8, 2022
Gram-negative bacteria
gram-negative bacteria
Bacteria which lose crystal violet stain but are stained pink when treated by gram’s method.
Bacteriology:
Most
bacteria
Bacteria
Bacteria are prokaryotic single-celled microorganisms that are metabolically active and divide by binary fission. Some of these organisms play a significant role in the pathogenesis of diseases.
Bacteriology can be classified according to a lab procedure called
Gram staining
Gram staining
Bacteriology.
Bacteria
Bacteria
Bacteria are prokaryotic single-celled microorganisms that are metabolically active and divide by binary fission. Some of these organisms play a significant role in the pathogenesis of diseases.
Bacteriology with cell walls that have a thin layer of
peptidoglycan
Peptidoglycan
Penicillins do not retain the crystal violet stain utilized in
Gram staining
Gram staining
Bacteriology. These
bacteria
Bacteria
Bacteria are prokaryotic single-celled microorganisms that are metabolically active and divide by binary fission. Some of these organisms play a significant role in the pathogenesis of diseases.
Bacteriology do, however, retain the safranin counterstain and thus appear as pinkish-red on the stain, making them
gram negative
Gram negative
Bacteria which lose crystal violet stain but are stained pink when treated by gram’s method.
Yersinia spp./Yersiniosis. These
bacteria
Bacteria
Bacteria are prokaryotic single-celled microorganisms that are metabolically active and divide by binary fission. Some of these organisms play a significant role in the pathogenesis of diseases.
Bacteriology can be further classified according to morphology (diplococci, curved rods,
bacilli
Bacilli
Shigella, and coccobacilli) and their ability to grow in the presence of oxygen (aerobic versus anaerobic). The
bacteria
Bacteria
Bacteria are prokaryotic single-celled microorganisms that are metabolically active and divide by binary fission. Some of these organisms play a significant role in the pathogenesis of diseases.
Bacteriology can be more narrowly identified by growing them on specific media (triple sugar
iron
Iron
A metallic element with atomic symbol fe, atomic number 26, and atomic weight 55. 85. It is an essential constituent of hemoglobins; cytochromes; and iron-binding proteins. It plays a role in cellular redox reactions and in the transport of oxygen.
Trace Elements (
TSI
TSI
Shigella) agar) where their
enzymes
Enzymes
Enzymes are complex protein biocatalysts that accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed by them. Due to the body’s constant metabolic needs, the absence of enzymes would make life unsustainable, as reactions would occur too slowly without these molecules.
Basics of Enzymes can be identified (
urease
Urease
An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of urea and water to carbon dioxide and ammonia.
Nocardia/Nocardiosis,
oxidase
Oxidase
Neisseria) and their ability to ferment lactose can be tested.
* Stains poorly on
Gram stain
Gram stain
Klebsiella
**
Pleomorphic
Pleomorphic
Bacteroides rod/coccobacillus
*** Require special transport media
Treponema pallidum spirochetes in a sample using a modified Steiner silver stain Silver stain The use of silver, usually silver nitrate, as a reagent for producing contrast or coloration in tissue specimens. Legionella/Legionellosis
Image: “Treponema pallidum 01” by Dr. Edwin P. Ewing, Jr. License: Public Domain
A tissue sample showing numerous thin, spiral-shaped Treponema carateum.
Image: “2900” by CDC. License: Public Domain
Pathogenesis of Treponema
infections
Infections
Invasion of the host organism by microorganisms or their toxins or by parasites that can cause pathological conditions or diseases.
Chronic Granulomatous Disease
The pathogen adheres to the
skin
Skin
The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue.
Skin: Structure and Functions or mucosal membranes, leading to the production of
hyaluronidase
Hyaluronidase
Bacteroides which allows for tissue invasion. The pathogen coats itself in the host’s
fibronectin
Fibronectin
Glycoproteins found on the surfaces of cells, particularly in fibrillar structures. The proteins are lost or reduced when these cells undergo viral or chemical transformation. They are highly susceptible to proteolysis and are substrates for activated blood coagulation factor VIII. The forms present in plasma are called cold-insoluble globulins.
Connective Tissue: Histology, which prevents its
phagocytosis
Phagocytosis
The engulfing and degradation of microorganisms; other cells that are dead, dying, or pathogenic; and foreign particles by phagocytic cells (phagocytes).
Innate Immunity: Phagocytes and Antigen Presentation and recognition by the
immune system
Immune system
The body’s defense mechanism against foreign organisms or substances and deviant native cells. It includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response and consists of a complex of interrelated cellular, molecular, and genetic components.
Primary Lymphatic Organs. Consequently, the pathogen disseminates through the bloodstream. A host immune response ultimately occurs, which causes disease manifestations.
The most common treponemal disease caused by T. pallidum pallidum:
| Stage | Primary syphilis Syphilis Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum pallidum (T. p. pallidum), which is usually spread through sexual contact. Syphilis has 4 clinical stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Syphilis | Secondary syphilis Syphilis Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum pallidum (T. p. pallidum), which is usually spread through sexual contact. Syphilis has 4 clinical stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Syphilis | Tertiary syphilis Syphilis Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum pallidum (T. p. pallidum), which is usually spread through sexual contact. Syphilis has 4 clinical stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Syphilis | Congenital syphilis Congenital syphilis Syphilis acquired in utero and manifested by any of several characteristic tooth (Hutchinson’s teeth) or bone malformations and by active mucocutaneous syphilis at birth or shortly thereafter. Ocular and neurologic changes may also occur. Syphilis |
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| Transmission | Sexual contact | Skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions contact with disseminated rash Rash Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever | Patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship are not contagious at this stage | Placental, during the first trimester |
| Symptoms | Localized disease:
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Systemic disease:
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Systemic disease:
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Mothers are tested and treated during pregnancy Pregnancy The status during which female mammals carry their developing young (embryos or fetuses) in utero before birth, beginning from fertilization to birth. Pregnancy: Diagnosis, Physiology, and Care. | ||
CN: cranial nerve
VDRL: Venereal Disease Research Research Critical and exhaustive investigation or experimentation, having for its aim the discovery of new facts and their correct interpretation, the revision of accepted conclusions, theories, or laws in the light of newly discovered facts, or the practical application of such new or revised conclusions, theories, or laws. Conflict of Interest Laboratories test
RPR: rapid plasma Plasma The residual portion of blood that is left after removal of blood cells by centrifugation without prior blood coagulation. Transfusion Products reagin test
FTA-ABS: fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test Serologic assay that detects antibodies to treponema pallidum, the etiologic agent of syphilis. After diluting the patient’s serum to remove non-specific antibodies, the serum is mixed on a glass slide with nichol’s strain of treponema pallidum. An antigen-antibody reaction occurs if the test is positive and the bound antibodies are detected with fluoresceinated antihuman gamma-globulin antibody. Syphilis
MHA-TP: microhemagglutination test
PCR PCR Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique that amplifies DNA fragments exponentially for analysis. The process is highly specific, allowing for the targeting of specific genomic sequences, even with minuscule sample amounts. The PCR cycles multiple times through 3 phases: denaturation of the template DNA, annealing of a specific primer to the individual DNA strands, and synthesis/elongation of new DNA molecules. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): polymerase chain reaction Polymerase chain reaction Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique that amplifies DNA fragments exponentially for analysis. The process is highly specific, allowing for the targeting of specific genomic sequences, even with minuscule sample amounts. The PCR cycles multiple times through 3 phases: denaturation of the template DNA, annealing of a specific primer to the individual DNA strands, and synthesis/elongation of new DNA molecules. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
CSF: cerebrospinal fluid Cerebrospinal Fluid A watery fluid that is continuously produced in the choroid plexus and circulates around the surface of the brain; spinal cord; and in the cerebral ventricles. Ventricular System: Anatomy
Primary, painless chancre Chancre The primary sore of syphilis, a painless indurated, eroded papule, occurring at the site of entry of the infection. Syphilis of syphilis Syphilis Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum pallidum (T. p. pallidum), which is usually spread through sexual contact. Syphilis has 4 clinical stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Syphilis (Treponema pallidum pallidum infection)
Image: “Chancres on the penile shaft Penile Shaft Bowen Disease and Erythroplasia of Queyrat due to a primary syphilitic infection caused by Treponema pallidum 6803 lores” by M. Rein. License: Public DomainThe less-common species of Treponema and their diseases are summarized below:
| Disease | Yaws Yaws A systemic non-venereal infection of the tropics caused by treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue. Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta | Bejel Bejel Yaws, bejel, and pinta are endemic, nonvenereal treponematoses. The causative organisms are Treponema pallidum pertenue (yaws), T. pallidum endemicum (bejel), and T. carateum (pinta). These treponematoses are generally transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact with infected skin lesions. Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta (endemic syphilis Syphilis Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum pallidum (T. p. pallidum), which is usually spread through sexual contact. Syphilis has 4 clinical stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Syphilis) | Pinta Pinta An infectious disease of the skin caused by treponema carateum that occurs only in the Western hemisphere. Age of onset is between 10 and 20 years of age. This condition is characterized by marked changes in the skin color and is believed to be transmitted by direct person-to-person contact. Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta |
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| Associated species | T. pallidum pertenue | T. pallidum endemicum | T. carateum |
| Transmission |
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| Predominant locations | Tropical regions:
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Desert regions:
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Tropical regions: Central and South America |
| Primary demographic | Children | Children | Adults |
| Clinical manifestations | Primary phase: painless, yellow
papilloma
Papilloma
A circumscribed benign epithelial tumor projecting from the surrounding surface; more precisely, a benign epithelial neoplasm consisting of villous or arborescent outgrowths of fibrovascular stroma covered by neoplastic cells.
Cowden Syndrome lesion on lower extremities Secondary phase:
|
Primary phase: small, primary
papule
Papule
Elevated lesion < 1 cm in diameter
Generalized and Localized Rashes on the
oral mucosa
Oral mucosa
Lining of the oral cavity, including mucosa on the gums; the palate; the lip; the cheek; floor of the mouth; and other structures. The mucosa is generally a nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium covering muscle, bone, or glands but can show varying degree of keratinization at specific locations.
Stomatitis Secondary phase:
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Primary phase:
Tertiary phase:
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| Diagnosis | Since these treponemal species are morphologically indistinguishable, the diagnosis is based on:
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| Management |
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VDRL: Venereal Disease Research Research Critical and exhaustive investigation or experimentation, having for its aim the discovery of new facts and their correct interpretation, the revision of accepted conclusions, theories, or laws in the light of newly discovered facts, or the practical application of such new or revised conclusions, theories, or laws. Conflict of Interest Laboratories test
FTA-ABS: fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test Serologic assay that detects antibodies to treponema pallidum, the etiologic agent of syphilis. After diluting the patient’s serum to remove non-specific antibodies, the serum is mixed on a glass slide with nichol’s strain of treponema pallidum. An antigen-antibody reaction occurs if the test is positive and the bound antibodies are detected with fluoresceinated antihuman gamma-globulin antibody. Syphilis
Cutaneous manifestation of
yaws
Yaws
A systemic non-venereal infection of the tropics caused by treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue.
Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta
(A) A patient with lesions on the face due to Treponema pallidum pertenue
(B) Resolution of the lesions after treatment with
penicillin
Penicillin
Rheumatic Fever
Cutaneous manifestation of
yaws
Yaws
A systemic non-venereal infection of the tropics caused by treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue.
Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta
Juxta-articular
skin
Skin
The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue.
Skin: Structure and Functions lesions and nodules on the elbow resulting from a Treponema pallidum pertenue infection
Mucocutaneous lesions of
bejel
Bejel
Yaws, bejel, and pinta are endemic, nonvenereal treponematoses. The causative organisms are Treponema pallidum pertenue (yaws), T. pallidum endemicum (bejel), and T. carateum (pinta). These treponematoses are generally transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact with infected skin lesions.
Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta (endemic
syphilis
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum pallidum (T. p. pallidum), which is usually spread through sexual contact. Syphilis has 4 clinical stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary.
Syphilis)
A: An oral lesion of primary
bejel
Bejel
Yaws, bejel, and pinta are endemic, nonvenereal treponematoses. The causative organisms are Treponema pallidum pertenue (yaws), T. pallidum endemicum (bejel), and T. carateum (pinta). These treponematoses are generally transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact with infected skin lesions.
Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta resulting from
Treponema pallidum endemicum
Treponema Pallidum Endemicum
Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta infection
B: Chronic
skin
Skin
The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue.
Skin: Structure and Functions lesion of secondary
bejel
Bejel
Yaws, bejel, and pinta are endemic, nonvenereal treponematoses. The causative organisms are Treponema pallidum pertenue (yaws), T. pallidum endemicum (bejel), and T. carateum (pinta). These treponematoses are generally transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact with infected skin lesions.
Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta
Gummatous lesions in late-stage bejel Bejel Yaws, bejel, and pinta are endemic, nonvenereal treponematoses. The causative organisms are Treponema pallidum pertenue (yaws), T. pallidum endemicum (bejel), and T. carateum (pinta). These treponematoses are generally transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact with infected skin lesions. Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta ( Treponema pallidum endemicum Treponema Pallidum Endemicum Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta infection)
Image: “Infiltration of skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions due to endemic syphilis Syphilis Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum pallidum (T. p. pallidum), which is usually spread through sexual contact. Syphilis has 4 clinical stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Syphilis” by Alireza Abdolrasouli, Adam Croucher, Yahya Hemmati, and David Mabey. License: Public Domain
Cutaneous lesions of
pinta
Pinta
An infectious disease of the skin caused by treponema carateum that occurs only in the Western hemisphere. Age of onset is between 10 and 20 years of age. This condition is characterized by marked changes in the skin color and is believed to be transmitted by direct person-to-person contact.
Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta (Treponema carateum infection)
(A) Erythematous
plaque
Plaque
Primary Skin Lesions of early
pinta
Pinta
An infectious disease of the skin caused by treponema carateum that occurs only in the Western hemisphere. Age of onset is between 10 and 20 years of age. This condition is characterized by marked changes in the skin color and is believed to be transmitted by direct person-to-person contact.
Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta
(B)
Skin
Skin
The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue.
Skin: Structure and Functions discoloration of late
pinta
Pinta
An infectious disease of the skin caused by treponema carateum that occurs only in the Western hemisphere. Age of onset is between 10 and 20 years of age. This condition is characterized by marked changes in the skin color and is believed to be transmitted by direct person-to-person contact.
Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta
Spirochetes are gram negative Gram negative Bacteria which lose crystal violet stain but are stained pink when treated by gram’s method. Yersinia spp./Yersiniosis, spiral Spiral Computed tomography where there is continuous x-ray exposure to the patient while being transported in a spiral or helical pattern through the beam of irradiation. This provides improved three-dimensional contrast and spatial resolution compared to conventional computed tomography, where data is obtained and computed from individual sequential exposures. Computed Tomography (CT) shaped, and motile. The following table briefly compares some clinically relevant spirochetes:
| Organism | Treponema pallidum pallidum | Other T. pallidum subspecies | Treponema carateum | Borrelia Borrelia Borrelia are gram-negative microaerophilic spirochetes. Owing to their small size, they are not easily seen on Gram stain but can be visualized using dark-field microscopy, Giemsa, or Wright stain. Spirochetes are motile and move in a characteristic spinning fashion due to axial filaments in the periplasmic space. Borrelia burgdorfi | Borrelia Borrelia Borrelia are gram-negative microaerophilic spirochetes. Owing to their small size, they are not easily seen on Gram stain but can be visualized using dark-field microscopy, Giemsa, or Wright stain. Spirochetes are motile and move in a characteristic spinning fashion due to axial filaments in the periplasmic space. Borrelia recurrentis | Leptospira interrogans Leptospira interrogans A genus of question mark-shaped bacteria spirochetes which is found in freshwater that is contaminated by animal urine. It causes leptospirosis. Leptospira/Leptospirosis |
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| Micro |
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| Virulence Virulence The degree of pathogenicity within a group or species of microorganisms or viruses as indicated by case fatality rates and/or the ability of the organism to invade the tissues of the host. The pathogenic capacity of an organism is determined by its virulence factors. Proteus |
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Antigenic variation |
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| Reservoir Reservoir Animate or inanimate sources which normally harbor disease-causing organisms and thus serve as potential sources of disease outbreaks. Reservoirs are distinguished from vectors (disease vectors) and carriers, which are agents of disease transmission rather than continuing sources of potential disease outbreaks. Humans may serve both as disease reservoirs and carriers. Escherichia coli | Humans | Humans | Humans |
|
Humans |
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| Transmission | Sexual contact | P2P contact | P2P contact | Ixodes tick | Louse | Direct contact with animal tissue or fluids |
| Clinical | Syphilis Syphilis Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum pallidum (T. p. pallidum), which is usually spread through sexual contact. Syphilis has 4 clinical stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Syphilis |
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Pinta Pinta An infectious disease of the skin caused by treponema carateum that occurs only in the Western hemisphere. Age of onset is between 10 and 20 years of age. This condition is characterized by marked changes in the skin color and is believed to be transmitted by direct person-to-person contact. Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta | Lyme disease Lyme disease Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by the gram-negative spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is transmitted by the black-legged Ixodes tick (known as a deer tick), which is only found in specific geographic regions. Patient presentation can vary depending on the stage of the disease and may include a characteristic erythema migrans rash. Lyme Disease | Relapsing fever Relapsing fever Relapsing fever is a vector-borne disease caused by multiple species of the spirochete Borrelia. There are 2 major forms of relapsing fever: tick-borne relapsing fever (caused by multiple species, such as B. hermsii, B. miyamotoi, and B. turicatae) and louse-borne relapsing fever (caused by B. recurrentis). Patients go through recurrent stages of fever, crisis phase, and afebrile periods. Relapsing Fever |
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Blood-smear analysis |
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Osp: outer surface protein
LPS: lipopolysaccharide Lipopolysaccharide Lipid-containing polysaccharides which are endotoxins and important group-specific antigens. They are often derived from the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria and induce immunoglobulin secretion. The lipopolysaccharide molecule consists of three parts: lipid a, core polysaccharide, and o-specific chains (o antigens). When derived from Escherichia coli, lipopolysaccharides serve as polyclonal b-cell mitogens commonly used in laboratory immunology. Klebsiella
P2P: person-to-person
Microaero: microaerophilic Microaerophilic Helicobacter
VDRL: Venereal Disease Research Research Critical and exhaustive investigation or experimentation, having for its aim the discovery of new facts and their correct interpretation, the revision of accepted conclusions, theories, or laws in the light of newly discovered facts, or the practical application of such new or revised conclusions, theories, or laws. Conflict of Interest Laboratory test
FTA-ABS: fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption Absorption Absorption involves the uptake of nutrient molecules and their transfer from the lumen of the GI tract across the enterocytes and into the interstitial space, where they can be taken up in the venous or lymphatic circulation. Digestion and Absorption
ELISA ELISA An immunoassay utilizing an antibody labeled with an enzyme marker such as horseradish peroxidase. While either the enzyme or the antibody is bound to an immunosorbent substrate, they both retain their biologic activity; the change in enzyme activity as a result of the enzyme-antibody-antigen reaction is proportional to the concentration of the antigen and can be measured spectrophotometrically or with the naked eye. Many variations of the method have been developed. St. Louis Encephalitis Virus: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
PCR PCR Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique that amplifies DNA fragments exponentially for analysis. The process is highly specific, allowing for the targeting of specific genomic sequences, even with minuscule sample amounts. The PCR cycles multiple times through 3 phases: denaturation of the template DNA, annealing of a specific primer to the individual DNA strands, and synthesis/elongation of new DNA molecules. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): polymerase chain reaction Polymerase chain reaction Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique that amplifies DNA fragments exponentially for analysis. The process is highly specific, allowing for the targeting of specific genomic sequences, even with minuscule sample amounts. The PCR cycles multiple times through 3 phases: denaturation of the template DNA, annealing of a specific primer to the individual DNA strands, and synthesis/elongation of new DNA molecules. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Visual comparison of spirochetes on electron micrograph: thick spirals of Treponema
Image: “Treponema pallidum” by Dr. David Cox. License: Public Domain
Visual comparison of spirochetes on electron micrograph: Borrelia Borrelia Borrelia are gram-negative microaerophilic spirochetes. Owing to their small size, they are not easily seen on Gram stain but can be visualized using dark-field microscopy, Giemsa, or Wright stain. Spirochetes are motile and move in a characteristic spinning fashion due to axial filaments in the periplasmic space. Borrelia, which are larger than Treponema
Image: “ Lyme disease Lyme disease Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by the gram-negative spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is transmitted by the black-legged Ixodes tick (known as a deer tick), which is only found in specific geographic regions. Patient presentation can vary depending on the stage of the disease and may include a characteristic erythema migrans rash. Lyme Disease parasite Borrelia burgdorferi Borrelia burgdorferi A specific species of bacteria, part of the borrelia burgdorferi group, whose common name is lyme disease spirochete. Borrelia” by Claudia Molins. License: Public Domain
Visual comparison of spirochetes on electron micrograph: hooked ends of Leptospira Leptospira Leptospira is a spiral or question mark-shaped, gram-negative spirochete with hook-shaped ends. The disease, leptospirosis, is a zoonosis, infecting animals. Rodents are the most important reservoir. Bacteria shed in the urine of rodents and other animals can be transmitted to humans via contaminated water. Leptospira/Leptospirosis
Image: “A filtration-based technique for simultaneous SEM and TEM sample preparation for the rapid detection of pathogens” by Beniac DR, Siemens CG, Wright CJ, Booth TF. License: CC BY 3.0, edited by Lecturio.USMLE™ is a joint program of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB®) and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME®). MCAT is a registered trademark of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). NCLEX®, NCLEX-RN®, and NCLEX-PN® are registered trademarks of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc (NCSBN®). None of the trademark holders are endorsed by nor affiliated with Lecturio.
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