Treponema pallidum

• What organism is responsible for syphilis?

  Treponema pallidum
• What type of organism is Treponema pallidum?

  It is a spirochete
• How can dark field microscopy be used in relation to Treponema pallidum?

  It can identify Treponema pallidum
• Why is dark field microscopy not routinely used anymore?

  There are more convenient diagnostic methods
• What does the letter 'S' on the paladin's armor represent?

  Syphilis as a sexually transmitted infection
• What is the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction?

  A febrile reaction after treating syphilis
• What triggers the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction?

  Destruction of Treponema pallidum
• What is the mechanism behind the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction?

  Cytokines and lipoproteins are released
• What are the stages of syphilis?

  Primary, secondary, and tertiary syphilis
• How can the information about syphilis be compartmentalized?

  • Primary syphilis: Painless genital chancre
  • Secondary syphilis: Maculopapular rash
  • Tertiary syphilis: Severe complications
  • Congenital syphilis: Effects on newborns
• What does primary syphilis present with?

  A painless genital chancre
• What is the purpose of non-treponemal tests?

  They are screening tests for syphilis
• What are the two categories of tests for syphilis?

  Non-treponemal and treponemal tests
• What are the two main non-treponemal tests?

  VDRL and RPR tests
• What do non-treponemal tests detect?

  Anti-cardiolipin antibodies - antibodies that are formed in response to lipids that are released following cell damage caused by treponema pallidum
• Why might a negative non-treponemal test not rule out syphilis?

  It may take weeks to generate antibodies
• What is the main confirmatory test for syphilis and what is it based on?

  Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test - based upon the detection of antibodies directed against treponema pallidum antigens
• When should CSF be tested in syphilis patients?

  If neurological symptoms are present
• What is the relationship between antibodies and the arrow in the scene?

  The arrow symbolizes antibodies targeting pathogens
• What does secondary syphilis present with?

  Maculopapular rash on trunk and extremities
• What is condylomata lata?

  A wart-like lesion in secondary syphilis
• What does the beaded net held by the soldier represent?

  The lymphatic system ad that secondary syphilis may present with lymphadenopathy
• What is the role of cytokines and lipoproteins in the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction?

  They are released upon organism destruction
• Why is the painless genital shanker significant in primary syphilis?

  It is a key symptom for diagnosis
• Why is it important to perform both non-treponemal and treponemal tests?

  To confirm an active Treponema pallidum infection
• What are the characteristics of the maculopapular rash in secondary syphilis?

  Involves trunk, palms, and soles
• What are the implications of testing CSF in suspected neurosyphilis cases?

  To detect central nervous system involvement
• What skin manifestation may occur in secondary syphilis?

  Maculopapular rash
• Where does the maculopapular rash typically appear in secondary syphilis?

  On the trunk, palms, and soles
• What is a characteristic lesion of secondary syphilis?

  Condylomata lata
• What does the beaded net represent in the context of secondary syphilis?

  The lymphatic system
• What is a common presentation of secondary syphilis related to lymph nodes?

  Lymphadenopathy
• What does patchy hair loss indicate in secondary syphilis?

  It may present as a symptom
• What unique type of granuloma is associated with tertiary syphilis?

  Gumma
• Where can gummas be found in tertiary syphilis?

  On the skin or internally
• What complication of tertiary syphilis is indicated by a hat on Ganondorf?

  Neurosyphilis
• What does neurosyphilis refer to?

  Invasion of the CNS
• What condition is associated with damage to the dorsal columns in tertiary syphilis?

  Tabes dorsalis
• What sensory functions are affected in tabes dorsalis?

  Proprioception and vibration
• What does a tree-like structure represent in tertiary syphilis?

  Aortitis