Spirochates

• What are the three key genera of Spirochaetales mentioned in the study material?

  Treponema, Borrelia, and Leptospira

  
• What are the unusual characteristics of spirochaetes?

  They are unusual gram-negatives with endoflagella and can swim in viscous conditions.
• Why is Treponema pallidum known as the stealth pathogen?

  Because it can evade the immune system and remain undetected for long periods.
• What is the primary reason for not wanting to get infected with Borrelia burgdorferi?

  It causes Lyme disease, which can lead to serious health complications.
• Why is leptospirosis considered one of the most neglected diseases?

  Due to lack of awareness and insufficient resources for prevention and treatment.
• What are the general characteristics of Spirochaetales?

  • Derived from Greek words meaning "coil" and "hair"
  • Unusual gram-negative bacteria
  • Possess endoflagella for movement in viscous environments
  • Difficult to culture in vitro
• What is the historical treatment method for syphilis mentioned in the study material?

  Wagner von Jauregg treated syphilis patients with malaria.
• What are the different diseases caused by Treponema pallidum and their geographical distribution?

  Yaws in Africa, Asia, and the Western Pacific; Pinta in Mexico and Central/South America; Bejel in the Eastern Mediterranean and West Africa.
• What are the transmission methods and symptoms of Treponema pallidum diseases?

  • Syphilis: sexual contact, mother-to-child; symptoms include primary chancre and secondary rash.
  • Yaws: close personal contact; affects skin, bones, and cartilage.
  • Pinta: close personal contact; involves skin lesions.
  • Bejel: close personal contact; lesions of skin and mucous membranes.
• What is the incubation period for primary syphilis?

  9 to 90 days
• What is the treatment for syphilis?

  Intramuscular penicillin injection.
• What are the stages of Lyme disease?

  Stage 1: localized disease with flu-like symptoms; Stage 2: disseminated disease with various symptoms; Stage 3: latent period with potential arthritis.
• What is the most common zoonotic infection in the world?

  Leptospira interrogans
• What are the symptoms of Weil's disease caused by Leptospira interrogans?

  Jaundice, vascular collapse, and multi-organ failure.
• What is the treatment for mild cases of leptospirosis?

  No specific treatment, just fluid and pain control.
• What are the treatments for different diseases caused by spirochaetes?

  • Syphilis: IM penicillin injections.
  • Lyme disease: doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime.
  • Weil's disease: mild cases managed with fluids; severe cases treated with antibiotics.
• How does the transmission of leptospirosis differ from that of Treponema pallidum diseases?

  Leptospirosis is zoonotic, transmitted through animal urine, while Treponema pallidum diseases are primarily transmitted through human contact.
• What is the role of ticks in the transmission of Lyme disease?

  Ticks must feed for at least 24-48 hours to transmit Borrelia burgdorferi.
• What is the mortality rate associated with icteric leptospirosis/Weil's disease?

  1. 15% mortality rate
• What are the risk factors for contracting leptospirosis in Africa?

  Exposure to cattle and rice farming.
• What are the implications of the Tuskegee study on modern medical ethics?

  The study highlighted the importance of informed consent and ethical treatment in medical research.
• What is the significance of the 2017 study on Treponema pallidum?

  It demonstrated that T. pallidum could be grown in co-culture with rabbit cells, advancing research possibilities.
• What is the global distribution of Treponema pallidum sub-species endemicum?

  Eastern Mediterranean and West Africa
• What are the symptoms of secondary syphilis?

  Mucocutaneous lesions or rash that is highly infectious.
• How does the treatment for tertiary syphilis differ from primary and secondary syphilis?

  Tertiary syphilis requires higher doses of penicillin G administered in multiple doses.
• What is the role of the immune system in Lyme disease symptoms?

  Symptoms may occur due to the immune system's response to the infection.
• What is the primary method of transmission for syphilis?

  Sexual contact or mother-to-child transmission.
• What is the significance of the term "obligate pathogens" in relation to Treponema pallidum?

  It means that Treponema pallidum can only survive and cause disease in a host organism.
• How does the study of spirochaetes contribute to our understanding of infectious diseases?

  It helps identify unique characteristics and treatment methods for diseases caused by these bacteria.