Lesson 3.7 - Syphilis Flashcards
Characteristics of Treponema spp.
[Gram, Shape, Motility, Aerotolerance, etc.]
- Gram negative
- Spirochete
- High motile in viscous body fluids & collagen
- Endoflagellum, corkscrew rotation
- Microaerophilic or anaerobic
Where are Treponema spp. typically found?
- Commensal or parasitic in humans & other animals
- Periodontal disease
- Rumen of ruminant animals
- Aids in digestion
What is the agent of syphilis?
Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum
____ are the only known host for syphilis.
-
Humans
- Very close as a true obligate parasite
- Can’t grow in agar/broth
- Cultured in rabbit epithelial cells
- Very close as a true obligate parasite
Can syphilis survive in nature outside of host?
- HELL NAW
- Easily killed by heat, disinfectants, soaps, dessication, & high [O2]
Gene characteristics of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum
- 1000 genes
- Reduced capacity to make precursors for AAs, carbs, and nucleotides
- No genes for CAC & ETC
How was syphilis treated? What is its worldwide mortality?
- Salvarsan arsenic salts [1912]
- Estimated 100k
What is the ID50 of syphilis in a rabbit model?
Abt 10 cells
How does syphilis spread?
- Primary sexual contact
- Mucous membranes & dermal microabrasions (genitals, oral, anorectal)
- Cross placenta (congenital)
- RARE: via breast milk and blood tranfusions
Untreated syphilis may lead to _______ ______.
-
perinatal death
- Infection acquired 4 years before pregnancy = infection of fetus
Primary stage [Syphilis]
- 2-6 weeks after infection
- Chancres (painless ulcer) & localized infection
- Lips, fingers, genitals, oral cavity, rectum, nipple
- Full of treponemes
- Chancres (painless ulcer) & localized infection
- Usually heals 3-6 weeks, but may last 1-3 months
- Actively motile!!
Secondary stage [Syphilis]
- 6 weeks after chancres heal
- Red/brown rash
- Palms and soles
- Condylomata lata / condyloma latum
- Can last 1 - 3 months
What is condylomata lata / condyloma latum?
- Cutaenous condition
- Painless, white, wart-like lesions on genitals, rectum, tongue
- Highly infectious
- THEY LOOK LIKE CAULIFLOWER doe
What occurs during latent syphilis?
- Immune response reduce treponemes but doesn’t eliminate infection
- Reside in many tissues w/o SS
- Asymptomatic and unlikely transmission
- Reactivation can occur after many years
- Congenital syphilis still a possibility
Tertiary stage [Syphilis]
- 20 years + after initial infection
- Treponemes present, but not transmitted
- Numerous pathological conditions
- Cardiovascular syphilis & neurosyphilis
- Gummas
- Infected bones, joints, liver, eyes
What does neurosyphilis lead to?
paralysis, neurological damage, dementia
What are gummas?
Soft tumorous mass
Percentages of Congenital Syphilis
[Stillborn, survivors infected, subsequently die]
- 40% stillborn
- 40-70% survivors infected
- 12% subsequently die
What does congenital syphilis lead to?
Anemia, juandice, rhinorrhea, malformed organs, slow development, skeletal abnormalities, notched teeth
Virulence factors of syphilis (6)
- Capsule
- Adhesions for extracellular matrix & fibronectin
- Slow growth
- Motile
- Hyaluronidase
- Antigenic variation
It doesn’t produce toxins/LPS!
CASH MA
Antibiotic Susceptibility [Syphilis]
- Standard treatment: penicillin (ß-lactam)
- No documented resistance! WOO!
In 2019, ___ of 3142 US counties/cities accounted for 1/2 of all reported cases of primary/secondary syphilis.
45
Highest rates of primary and secondary syphilis were among men aged ______, ______, and ______.
25-29 (57.6), 30-34 (51.2), and 20-24 (45.2)
(per 100,000 males)
Highest rates of suphilis among females were aged ____ and ____.
25-29 (11.8) and 20-24 (11.6)
(per 100,000 females)
41.6% of syphilis cases were among ___________________
men who have sex with men only
Highest rates of syphilis were observed among _____ men and ________ men. [Race/Ethnicity]
Black (53.5)
Native Hawaiian / Other Pacific Islander (35.9)
(per 100,000 males)
Highest rates of syphilis were observed among _____ women and ________ women. [Race/Ethnicity]
American Indian/Alaska Native (15.4)
Black (10.2)
(per 100,000 females)
During 2018-19, the rate of congenital syphilis increased ____%, concurrent with a ___% increase in syphilis among women aged 15-44.
41.4, 27.9
During 2015-19, the rate of congenital syphilis increased _____%, and th rate of syphilis among women aged 15-44 increased ____%.
291.1, 171.9
What are centers in NV for STD testing?
The Center, Planned Parenthood, SNHD Sexual Health Clinic
