Spirochaetes and Human Health

A group of bacteria with a unique spiral shape, known for their motile nature and ability to cause various diseases in humans and animals.

A type of spirochete that causes syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, and is characterized by its thin, helical shape and inability to survive outside of a host.

Outer membrane proteins that help T. pallidum attach to host cells, facilitating infection.

An enzyme produced by T. pallidum that breaks down hyaluronic acid, a component of connective tissue, allowing the bacteria to spread in the body.

A protein coating that camouflages T. pallidum from the immune system, allowing it to evade detection and destruction by immune cells.

A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

The initial stage of syphilis, characterized by the appearance of a painless sore called a chancre.

The immune response plays a significant role in the tissue destruction seen in syphilis.

The bacteria causing syphilis can persist in the body for decades, even after initial treatment.

A unique skin lesion characterized by a circular, expanding rash with a central clearing, resembling a bullseye. It often occurs in the first stage of Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.

A spirochete bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, often transmitted through the bite of infected ticks.

The process of a disease being passed from animals to humans.

A serious inflammatory condition affecting the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often caused by bacteria.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes a type of pneumonia that presents as a less severe illness than bacterial pneumonia. Known as "walking pneumonia", it is characterized by mild symptoms and a longer duration.

Unlike bacterial pneumonia, atypical pneumonia often starts slowly and recovery is gradual. Symptoms include a persistent dry cough and flu-like body aches.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae lacks a cell wall, so treatment with antibiotics like penicillin that target cell wall synthesis is ineffective.

Tetracycline and erythromycin are the primary antibiotics used to treat M. pneumoniae. Newer fluoroquinolones are also effective.

Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma, and Mycoplasma hominis are other types of mycoplasmas that can cause infections. Treatment strategies differ based on the specific species.

A bacterial disease characterized by fever, jaundice, and inflammation of the kidneys, potentially leading to organ failure.

Bacteria that invade and multiply within the body, often causing a severe inflammatory response.

A stage of leptospirosis characterized by the presence of leptospires in the bloodstream, often lasting around 7 days.

Stage of leptospirosis, often leading to kidney failure, where the leptospires shed in the urine.

A type of bacteria that lacks a cell wall, making them resistant to certain antibiotics.

A type of mycoplasma known for causing respiratory infections, especially pneumonia.

A type of mycoplasma that adheres to the respiratory tract using its pili.

A way M.pneumoniae can cause immune system dysregulation and inflammation by overstimulating immune cells.

A subtype of syphilis that is not sexually transmitted and is found primarily in tropical regions. It causes skin lesions and can spread through contaminated utensils.

A granulomatous disease caused by Treponema pallidum subsp.pertenue that affects the skin and bones. It's primarily found in tropical regions.

A skin condition caused by Treponema carateum, primarily affecting the skin in tropical regions. It leads to lesions and discolouration.

A genus of spirochetes that cause a variety of diseases in humans, including Lyme disease and relapsing fever.

A bacterial infection caused by Borrelia species, characterized by recurrent fever episodes, chills, sweating, and muscle aches. It is transmitted by lice or ticks.

A bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by ticks. It can affect the skin, joints, nervous system, and heart, causing Lyme disease.

A gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacteria responsible for a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease and relapsing fever. They stain well with Giemsa stain and can be observed under a microscope.

A type of spirochete that causes syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection. It's a thin, helical bacterium that cannot survive outside of a host.

These are proteins on the surface of T. pallidum that help it stick to the host cell, allowing it to infect the body.

This enzyme breaks down hyaluronic acid, a substance in our connective tissue. It helps the bacteria spread to the spaces around blood vessels.

This protein coating on T. pallidum acts like a shield, hiding the bacteria from our immune system. T. pallidum can evade immune cells and survive longer in the body.

Although T. pallidum initiates the infection, the main cause of damage and symptoms is the body's own immune response trying to fight the bacteria.

The initial stage of syphilis, marked by a painless sore (chancre) at the site of infection.

The bacteria that causes syphilis, Treponema pallidum, can persist for decades in the body, even after treatment. This is a major challenge for syphilis management.

Syphilis damages tissue mainly due to the host's immune response, not just the bacteria itself.

The immune response in syphilis shifts from widespread suppression in early stages to localized activity in later stages, explaining the specific tissue damage seen in late syphilis.

Syphilis is a disease of blood vessels and the tissues surrounding them. The bacteria travels through the blood and lymph system to spread the infection.

Lyme disease is a multi-stage illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through the bite of infected ticks.

The first stage of Lyme disease is characterized by a distinctive skin rash called erythema migrans, resembling a bullseye, along with flu-like symptoms.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira interrogans and transmitted through contact with infected animal urine.

Leptospirosis can progress through various stages, ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to serious complications like meningitis and kidney failure.

Treatment for leptospirosis typically involves antibiotics, such as penicillin or doxycycline.

The second stage of syphilis, occurring 2-10 weeks after primary syphilis. It's marked by a widespread mucocutaneous rash, highly contagious lesions, and a generalized immune response.

A period following secondary syphilis where the infection is not actively spreading. It can be divided into early latent (first 4 years) and late latent (subsequent years). About 40% of late latent patients progress to tertiary syphilis.

The final stage of syphilis, occurring in about 40% of late latent patients. It is characterized by localized granulomatous lesions (gummas), CNS and cardiovascular involvement, leading to neurological complications and cardiovascular disease.

Syphilis passed from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth. It can lead to various complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and developmental problems in the child.

The preferred treatment for syphilis. It involves administering penicillin intravenously for 7-10 days for early stages and at least 21 days for later stages. It's crucial to follow WHO's treatment recommendations.

Effective prevention measures against syphilis include using condoms during sexual activity and receiving prophylactic treatment if identified through contact tracing.

Bejel is a non-sexually transmitted form of syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum subsp. Endemicum. It primarily affects the oral cavity and is spread through contaminated utensils.

Yaws is a granulomatous disease caused by Treponema pallidum subsp. Pertenue. It is primarily found in tropical regions and is spread through direct contact with lesions.

Pinta is a skin condition caused by Treponema carateum. It is primarily found in tropical regions and is spread through direct contact with skin lesions.

Relapsing fever is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia species, characterized by recurrent fever episodes, chills, sweating, and muscle aches. It is transmitted by lice or ticks.

Louse-borne borreliosis, also known as Epidemic Relapsing Fever, is a type of relapsing fever caused by Borrelia species and transmitted by human body lice. It occurs in densely populated areas with poor hygiene.

Endemic Relapsing Fever, also known as Tick-borne borreliosis, is a type of relapsing fever caused by Borrelia species and transmitted by ticks. It occurs in areas where ticks are prevalent.

Borrelia spp. are a group of gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacteria that are responsible for a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease and relapsing fever. They can be identified using Giemsa staining and phase contrast microscopy.

Weil´s disease is a severe form of Leptospirosis marked by systemic symptoms such as fever, jaundice, vascular collapse, low platelet count leading to bleeding, and dysfunction of the liver and kidneys. It can result in multi-organ failure.

The bacteria causing Leptospirosis directly invades and replicates in tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. This can affect various organs, including the liver and kidneys, causing dysfunction and potentially leading to organ failure.

Leptospiremia is the stage in Leptospirosis where the bacteria multiplies rapidly in the bloodstream. It typically lasts for about 7 days and leads to a flu-like illness in the early stages. Though there are no visible lesions at this stage, the bacteria is actively harming the body.

After Leptospiremia, the bacteria moves to the kidneys and is shed in urine, leading to a stage known as Leptospiruria. This phase can cause organ damage, particularly to the kidneys, leading to potential renal failure.

Mycoplasmas are bacteria that lack a cell wall. This unique characteristic makes them resistant to certain antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common cause of respiratory infections, does not possess a cell wall. This makes traditional antibiotics like Penicillin, which target cell wall synthesis, ineffective against it.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a type of bacteria that causes various respiratory infections, is known for its ability to adhere to the respiratory tract. This adherence is achieved through its pili, which acts like tiny hooks that can grasp onto the mucous membrane within the respiratory tract.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that causes respiratory infections. It has a superantigen nature, meaning it can overstimulate the immune system, leading to an uncontrolled inflammatory response. This can worsen the infection and cause harm to the body.