Genus Treponema. Treponema pallidum

• What is the morphology of Treponema Pallidum?

  Gram -ve spirochetes, corkscrew shaped
• What type of cells does Treponema Pallidum consist of?

  Single motile cells
• What is the oxygen requirement of Treponema Pallidum?

  Microaerophilic
• What structure aids in the movement of Treponema Pallidum?

  Axial fibrils for rotation and flexion
• What is the primary reservoir for Treponema Pallidum?

  Humans
• How is Treponema Pallidum transmitted?

  Direct sexual contact and transplacental
• What are the virulence factors of Treponema Pallidum?

  Antiphagocytic factors, adhesins, invasins, hyaluronidase
• What is the role of adhesins in Treponema Pallidum?

  Facilitates attachment and invasion of host cells
• What does hyaluronidase do in Treponema Pallidum?

  Degrades tissues
• What is the incubation period for syphilis caused by Treponema Pallidum?

  21 days
• What characterizes primary syphilis?

  Localized disease with chancre and nontender LAD
• When does secondary syphilis occur post-infection?

  8-12 weeks
• What are the constitutional symptoms of secondary syphilis?

  Generalized nontender LAD, fever, fatigue, myalgia, headache
• What is a notable skin manifestation of secondary syphilis?

  Patchy alopecia
• What are condylomata lata associated with?

  Secondary syphilis
• What are the three forms of tertiary syphilis?

  Gumma, cardiovascular syphilis, neurosyphilis
• What characterizes gumma in tertiary syphilis?

  Chronic destructive granulomatous lesions
• What cardiovascular issues are associated with tertiary syphilis?

  Aortitis, thoracic aortic aneurysm, aortic insufficiency
• What is neurosyphilis characterized by?

  Subacute stroke, Argyll Robertson pupil, tabes dorsalis
• What are the features of congenital syphilis?

  Saber shins, severe skeletal and craniofacial abnormalities
• What specimens are used for microbiological diagnosis of primary syphilis?

  Chancre secretions and lymph node aspirates
• What microscopy technique is used for Treponema Pallidum diagnosis?

  Darkfield microscopy
• What is the VDRL test used for?

  Screening test for cardiolipin reaction
• What does FTA-ABS stand for?

  Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption
• What is the first-line treatment for syphilis?

  Penicillin G
• What should be done if a patient is allergic to penicillin?

  Use doxycycline or ceftriaxone
• What is the treatment protocol for neurosyphilis during pregnancy?

  Desensitize if allergic, then administer penicillin G
• What is the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction?

  Acute systemic reaction to endotoxin-like substances
• What are the clinical features of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction?

  Tachypnoea, hypotension, tachycardia, flu-like symptoms
• How is the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction treated?

  NSAIDs for symptomatic treatment