Syphilis! Treponema pallidum

What Is Syphilis? A sexually transmitted disease, living in the genital tract, and can be fatal if left untreated. A spirochete, which means it is spiral-shaped. Anaerobic and heterotrophic. Not seen on a gram stain because the bacteria is too thin. Releases the endotoxin lypopolysaccharide. Syphilis cannot be contracted through toilet seats, daily activities, hot tubs, or sharing eating utensils or clothing.

The Four Stages of Syphilis! 1.Primary Syphilis 2.Secondary Syphilis 3.Latent Syphilis 4.Tertiary Syphilis

Primary and Secondary Stages Primary – typically acquired during sex when coming in contact with a lesion of an infected person. Usually asymptomatic so treatment is not sought out. After days a skin lesion appears where the initial exposure occurred. Secondary – occurs 1-6 months after first stage. Many manifestations of the disease and it is most contagious in this stage.

Latent and Tertiary Stages Latent – having the disease without any symptoms being present. Tertiary – last stage: “gummas” (soft, tumor- like balls) appear anywhere in the body, seen right. They show the body’s inability to fight off the disease.

WOW. People with HIV and Syphilis will have faster-advancing Syphilis. Hitler may have had Syphilis. Syphilis has existed since Medieval times, and was sometimes treated with mercury.

Resources! /syphilisbacaterias.jpg 9-5,9-8gram-/9-5,9-8.pdf Treponema_pallidum