spirochetes Flashcards
what kind of classification does treponema fall under
spirochetes
why must spirochetes only be investigated with molecular approach
cannot be cultured on plate
is treponema gram negative or positve
negative. but outer membrane lacks LPS
what condition is spirochetes abundant in
periodontitis (treponema denticola part of red complex)
how does treponema exert virulence
outer membrane binds to extracellular proteins. lyses red cells, and is cytotoxic to epithelial cells
why is treponema found
humans are the only reservoir
what happens in primary syphillis
chancre (painless genital ulcer) at genital area. highly infectious. usually ocurrs through mucous membrane.
regional non tender lymphoadenopathy.
chancre heals spontaneously in 7-10days
how long does chancre take to heal
heals spontaneously 7-10 days
when does secondary syphilis manifest
4 to 6 weeks
what are symptoms of secondary syphilis
rash, lymphadenopathy, mucocutaneous and systemic lesions, non specific signs and symptoms eg fever, snailtrack ulcers
what are macular syphilides
flat to slightly raised firm red lesions on the hard palate. oral lesion of secondary syphilis
what are snailtrack ulcers
oral lesion in secondary syphilis. mucous patch. shallow ulcer covered by grey mucoid exudate with erythematous border. patch arises bilaterally on mobile surface of mouth
what happens in late/tertiary syphilis
gumma formation, arise on hard palate and tongue. swellings ulcerate, causing areas of breakdown and healing and may eventually result in bone destruction and palatal perforation.
oral leukoplakia
neurosyphilis
when does treponema pallidum cross the plancenta
after 16th week of gestation
manifestation of congenital syphilis
diffuse maculopapular rash, periostitis (frontal bossing), rhinitis
