Treponema Pallidum

WHAT IS IT?

Treponema pallidum is a spirochete. Dark field microscopy is used to visualize this pathogen.

Visual appearance of Treponema palladium on dark field microscopy (source)
Visual appearance of Treponema palladium on dark field microscopy (source)
CULTURE CHARACTERISTICS

This pathogen can not be cultured in vitro

MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS 

Endotoxin that can cause Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction: this presents as fever, chills, headache, myalgia following antibiotic for syphilis. Rapid lysis of the spirochetes result in endotoxin release.

TRANSMISSION

Sexual contact, contact with infected ulcer, fetal transmission from infected mother

CONDITIONS CAUSED

Syphilis

Adverse fetal outcomes (during congenital infection): intrauterine growth restriction, fetal death,

TREATMENT

Penicillin is used to treat infected patients (including pregnant women).

Erythromycin and doxycycline can be used in non-pregnant patients if there is a penicillin allergy.

*Pregnant women with penicillin allergies must be desensitized to it because other antibiotic options are not safe for the fetus 

OTHER HY FACTS

Serological/CSF testing can be conducted which can inlcude:

  • VDRL test (nonspecific)
  • RPR test (non specific)
  • FTA-ABS test (specific test)

 

Page Updated: 05.28.2016