Spirochaetes

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

  Treponema, Borrelia, and Leptospira
• What are the unusual characteristics of spirochaetes?

  They are unusual Gram-negatives with endoflagella that allow swimming in viscous conditions.
• Why is Treponema pallidum known as the stealth pathogen?

  Because it can persist in the body asymptomatically for long periods.
• Why is Borrelia burgdorferi infection undesirable?

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

  It is often overlooked in public health discussions despite its significant impact.
• What are the four clinically important genera of spirochaetes?

  • Treponema
  • Borrelia
  • Leptospira
  • Brachyspira
• What does the term "spirochete" derive from in Greek?

  It derives from "speira" meaning coil and "khaite" meaning hair.
• What is the significance of endoflagella in spirochaetes?

  They enable spirochaetes to swim in highly viscous environments like connective tissue.
• What is the primary transmission method for Treponema pallidum sub-species?

  Close personal contact.
• What are the symptoms of syphilis?

  Lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, and bone involvement.
• What is the treatment for syphilis?

  Penicillin by intramuscular injection.
• What is the global distribution of syphilis?

  It is found worldwide.
• What are the stages of Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi?

  Stage 1: Acute localized disease; Stage 2: Subacute disseminated disease; Stage 3: Latent period with potential arthritis.
• What is the most common zoonotic infection in the world?

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

  Jaundice, vascular collapse, and renal dysfunction.
• What is the treatment for mild cases of Weil's disease?

  No treatment, just fluids and pain control.
• What are the key features of the Tuskegee study on syphilis?

  • Began in 1932 to record the natural history of syphilis
  • Involved 600 black men, 399 with syphilis
  • No informed consent was obtained
  • Lasted for 40 years until 1972
• How did the study of T. pallidum change in 2017?

  1. pallidum was grown in co-culture with rabbit cells.
• What are the risk factors for contracting leptospirosis in Africa?

  Exposure to cattle and rice farming.
• What is the treatment for severe cases of leptospirosis?

  IV penicillin G or third-generation cephalosporins.
• What is the mortality rate of icteric leptospirosis/Weil's disease?

  1. 15% mortality rate.
• What is the primary method of transmission for Borrelia burgdorferi?

  By Ixodus ticks.
• What are the occupational risk groups for Lyme disease?

  Foresters, game keepers, rangers, farmers, and deer handlers.
• What is the significance of erythema migrans in Lyme disease?

  It is a characteristic rash that develops after a tick bite.
• What percentage of patients with Lyme disease continue to have persistent symptoms?

  10-20% of patients.
• What is the treatment for Lyme disease?

  Doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime for 2-4 weeks.
• What is the role of the immune system in the persistence of Treponema pallidum in the body?

  The mechanisms are still a mystery, as it can remain asymptomatic.
• What are the common features of diseases caused by spirochaetes?

  They often involve skin lesions and can be transmitted through close contact.
• What is the Greek meaning of the term "Leptospira"?

  It means "question mark" due to its hooked ends.
• What is the global impact of leptospirosis?

  It affects more than 1 million people worldwide each year.
• What are the symptoms of anicteric leptospirosis?

  It presents as a mild virus-like syndrome.
• What is the treatment for severe cases of leptospirosis?

  Patients may require intensive care unit admission.
• What is the significance of the Tuskegee study in relation to syphilis?

  It highlights ethical issues in medical research and the importance of informed consent.
• What is the role of environmental factors in the transmission of leptospirosis?

  Infected animals transmit the bacteria through urine, affecting soil and water.
• What are the implications of the findings from the 2018 study on leptospirosis in Africa?

  Control of Leptospira infection in livestock could help prevent human leptospirosis.
• What is the mortality rate associated with icteric leptospirosis?

  It has a mortality rate of 5-15%.
• What are the common symptoms of leptospirosis?

  Flu-like symptoms, jaundice, and multi-organ failure in severe cases.
• What is the significance of the term "obligate pathogens" in relation to T. pallidum?

  It means they can only cause disease in specific hosts, such as primates.
• What is the role of Ixodus ticks in the transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi?

  They are the primary vectors for Lyme disease transmission.
• What are the symptoms of secondary syphilis?

  Mucocutaneous lesions that are highly infectious.