Lesson 3.7 - Syphilis Flashcards
1
Q
Characteristics of Treponema spp.
[Gram, Shape, Motility, Aerotolerance, etc.]
A
- Gram negative
- Spirochete
- High motile in viscous body fluids & collagen
- Endoflagellum, corkscrew rotation
- Microaerophilic or anaerobic
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/343/731/925/a_image_thumb.png?1619157117)
2
Q
Where are Treponema spp. typically found?
A
- Commensal or parasitic in humans & other animals
- Periodontal disease
- Rumen of ruminant animals
- Aids in digestion
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/343/732/110/a_image_thumb.png?1619157173)
3
Q
What is the agent of syphilis?
A
Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum
4
Q
____ are the only known host for syphilis.
A
-
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
5
Q
Can syphilis survive in nature outside of host?
A
- HELL NAW
- Easily killed by heat, disinfectants, soaps, dessication, & high [O2]
6
Q
Gene characteristics of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum
A
- 1000 genes
- Reduced capacity to make precursors for AAs, carbs, and nucleotides
- No genes for CAC & ETC
7
Q
How was syphilis treated? What is its worldwide mortality?
A
- Salvarsan arsenic salts [1912]
- Estimated 100k
8
Q
What is the ID50 of syphilis in a rabbit model?
A
Abt 10 cells
9
Q
How does syphilis spread?
A
- Primary sexual contact
- Mucous membranes & dermal microabrasions (genitals, oral, anorectal)
- Cross placenta (congenital)
- RARE: via breast milk and blood tranfusions
10
Q
Untreated syphilis may lead to _______ ______.
A
-
perinatal death
- Infection acquired 4 years before pregnancy = infection of fetus
11
Q
Primary stage [Syphilis]
A
- 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!!
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/343/732/257/a_image_thumb.png?1619158783)
12
Q
Secondary stage [Syphilis]
A
- 6 weeks after chancres heal
- Red/brown rash
- Palms and soles
- Condylomata lata / condyloma latum
- Can last 1 - 3 months
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/343/732/704/a_image_thumb.png?1619158868)
13
Q
What is condylomata lata / condyloma latum?
A
- Cutaenous condition
- Painless, white, wart-like lesions on genitals, rectum, tongue
- Highly infectious
- THEY LOOK LIKE CAULIFLOWER doe
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/343/732/756/a_image_thumb.png?1619158948)
14
Q
What occurs during latent syphilis?
A
- 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
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/343/732/814/a_image_thumb.png?1619159033)
15
Q
Tertiary stage [Syphilis]
A
- 20 years + after initial infection
- Treponemes present, but not transmitted
- Numerous pathological conditions
- Cardiovascular syphilis & neurosyphilis
- Gummas
- Infected bones, joints, liver, eyes