Spirochetes Flashcards
What lab findings are useful to help diagnose Borrelia burgdorferi? (3)
loosely coiled motile spirochete visualized by dark field microscopy or Giesma stain, but cultures of human samples are rarely positive; IgM or IgG antibodies in serum; PCR available.
What is the classic skin symptom of Lyme disease and how is it characterized?
erythema chronicum migricans. An expanding bulls eye red rash with central clearing.
What are the manifestations in stage two Lyme disease? (2)
neurologic and cardiac manifestations
What is the presentation of stage three Lyme disease? (1)
autoimmune migratory polyarthritis
What are the clinical features of 2nd degree syphilis? (4)
fever, lymphadenopath, skin rashes, condylomata lata
What symptoms are characteristic of end state syphilis? (4)
gummas, aortitis, neurosyphilis (tabes dorsalis), Argyll Robertson pupil
What are the clinical stages of Borrelia burgdorferi? (3)
lyme disease. Primary-erythema migrans (bulls eye lesion)a, flu-like symptoms. Secondary-months later, cardiovascular (heart block) and neurological (Bell’s palsy) syptoms. Tertiary-arthritis of large joints, especially knee joint.
What is the morphology of Leptospira interrogans?
spirochete
What are the clinical manifestations of Leptospira interrogans? (2)
well’s disease leptospirosis)-7-13 day incubation followed by fever, chills and intense headache which resolve. Second part of illness resembles aseptic meningitis with serious vasculitis jaundice, uremia.
How is Treponema pallidum transmitted? (2)
direct contact with lesion on mucous membranes. Also, mother to fetus (vertical) transmission.
How does Treponema pallidum gram stain?
negative
What is the morphology of Treponema pallidum?
spirochete (thin walled, flexible, motile spiral rods)
microbiology Vignettes: Middle-age man has acute monoarticular joint pain and bilateral Bells palsy. What diease and how?
lyme, ixodes tick
What are the symptoms of stage one Lyme disease? (2)
erythema chronicum migricans, flu-like symptoms
Identify the major toxicity factor associated with Treponema pallidum.
antigens induce antibodies that react with cardiolipin