Treponema pallidum
Treponema pallidum
Treponema pallidum (pronounced: treh-poh-NEE-muh PAL-ih-dum) is a species of spirochete bacteria with subspecies that cause syphilis, yaws, pinta, and bejel.
Etymology
The name Treponema pallidum is derived from Greek trepo meaning "to turn" and nema meaning "thread", referring to the bacterium's helical shape. Pallidum is Latin for "pale", referring to the bacterium's appearance under dark-field microscopy.
Description
Treponema pallidum is a gram-negative, microaerophilic spirochete. It is a highly invasive organism, penetrating intact mucous membranes or damaged skin, and disseminating throughout the body.
Subspecies
There are three subspecies of Treponema pallidum:
- Treponema pallidum pallidum causes syphilis.
- Treponema pallidum pertenue causes yaws.
- Treponema pallidum endemicum causes bejel.
Pathogenesis
Treponema pallidum is not able to survive in the environment, so transmission is usually through close contact, often sexual. The bacterium can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, causing congenital syphilis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Treponema pallidum infections is typically through blood tests, as the bacterium cannot be cultured in the laboratory.
Treatment
Treatment for Treponema pallidum infections typically involves antibiotics, such as penicillin.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Treponema pallidum
- Wikipedia's article - Treponema pallidum
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