Spirochete Biology and Diseases Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What defines the motility of spirochetes?

  • Periplasmic flagella or endoflagella (correct)
  • Flagella located at one end
  • Movement through passive diffusion
  • Cilia covering their surface

    • Which genus is NOT part of the Spirochaetaceae family?

  • Leptospira (correct)
  • All are part of Spirochaetaceae
  • Treponema
  • Borrelia

    • How can Treponema organisms be visualized in a laboratory setting?

  • With standard plate culture methods
  • Using light microscopy with Gram stain
  • Using darkfield microscopy (correct)
  • Through macroscopic observation

    • Which of the following diseases is caused by T.pallidum ssp.pallidum?

    <p>Syphilis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key virulence factor of T.pallidum?

    <p>Outer membrane proteins for adherence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of patients with neurological or cardiac involvement progress to the subsequent stage of the disease?

    <p>5-15%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is characteristic of Leptospira interrogans?

    <p>It has two periplasmic flagella.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main route of transmission for leptospirosis to humans?

    <p>Breaks in the skin or intact mucous membranes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which antibiotic is NOT mentioned as a treatment for Lyme disease?

    <p>Penicillin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a clinical manifestation of anicteric leptospirosis?

    <p>Aseptic meningitis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main cause of tissue destruction and lesions in syphilis?

    <p>Patient’s immune response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic describes the chancre during primary syphilis?

    <p>It appears several weeks after initial contact.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the case of secondary syphilis, which feature is true?

    <p>There is a widely disseminated mucocutaneous rash.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of late latent syphilis patients is likely to progress to tertiary syphilis?

    <p>40%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process happens during the primary stages of syphilis?

    <p>Rapid multiplication and dissemination through systemic circulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines tertiary syphilis?

    <p>Localized granulomatous dermal lesions known as gummas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding the transmission of syphilis?

    <p>The chance of acquiring the disease after a single exposure is approximately 30%.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In late stages of syphilis, the inhibition of cell-mediated immunity is:

    <p>Reduced compared to early stages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common symptom of atypical (walking) pneumonia?

    <p>Persistent non-productive cough</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of pneumonia is characterized by an abrupt onset and high fever?

    <p>Typical pneumonia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment is effective against M. genitalium?

    <p>Erythromycin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a secondary complication associated with M. pneumoniae infection?

    <p>Hemolytic anemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main prevention strategy for M. pneumoniae infections?

    <p>Avoid close contact</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary consequence of congenital syphilis for the developing fetus?

    <p>Mental or physical problems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended duration for penicillin treatment of early-stage syphilis?

    <p>7-10 days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Treponema pallidum subsp.pertenue is primarily associated with which disease?

    <p>Yaws</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following methods is NOT recommended for the prevention of syphilis?

    <p>Vaccination</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of lesions are initially associated with Bejel?

    <p>Oral lesions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The incubation period for Pinta is approximately how long?

    <p>1-3 weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the disease Yaws?

    <p>Causes scarring of the skin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mode of transmission for Treponema carateum, the causative agent of Pinta?

    <p>Direct contact with skin lesions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of hepatic injury in icteric leptospirosis?

    <p>Direct invasion by leptospires</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment is considered effective for icteric leptospirosis?

    <p>Doxycycline</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common symptom of leptospiremia in the early stages of illness?

    <p>Flu-like illness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is true for Mycoplasma bacteria?

    <p>Require urea for growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structural feature distinguishes Mycoplasma bacteria from most other bacteria?

    <p>Lack of a cell wall</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do P1 pili play in the virulence of M.pneumoniae?

    <p>Enabling adhesion to mucous membranes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a distinguishing feature of Mycoplasma colonies when cultured?

    <p>Fried egg appearance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common clinical manifestation of M.pneumoniae infection?

    <p>Atypical pneumonia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic of Treponema makes it challenging to observe with light microscopy?

    <p>It is too thin to be seen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which virulence factor of Treponema pallidum is associated with facilitating tissue infiltration?

    <p>Hyaluronidase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which disease is caused by the subspecies of Treponema pallidum identified as T.pallidum ssp. pertenue?

    <p>Yaws</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily causes tissue destruction and lesions associated with T.pallidum infections?

    <p>Host's immune response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What unique structural feature of spirochetes contributes to their motility?

    <p>Endoflagella</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic feature of Leptospira interrogans?

    <p>It exhibits a hooked shape at both ends.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the primary host animals associated with the transmission of leptospirosis?

    <p>Rodents and domestic animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of antibiotic is indicated for the treatment of relapsing fever?

    <p>Erythromycin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of tissue destruction and lesions in leptospirosis?

    <p>The host's immune response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which stage of Lyme disease may exhibit migrating episodes of painful arthritis?

    <p>Third stage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with atypical (walking) pneumonia?

    <p>High fever</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary treatment recommended for M. hominis infections?

    <p>Clindamycin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following complications is NOT associated with M. pneumoniae infection?

    <p>Chronic cough</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment option is considered ineffective against M. pneumoniae infections?

    <p>Penicillin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable characteristic of Mycoplasma bacteria?

    <p>They are the smallest free-living organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the hallmark lesion associated with primary syphilis?

    <p>Chancre</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the secondary stage of syphilis?

    <p>It causes widespread mucocutaneous rash.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which stage of syphilis is the patient non-infectious?

    <p>Latent stage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically occurs at the site of inoculation during primary syphilis?

    <p>Inflammatory response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is characteristic of tertiary syphilis?

    <p>Localized granulomatous lesions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What indicates the onset of the latent stage of syphilis?

    <p>Complete resolution of primary lesions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential outcome for infants affected by congenital syphilis?

    <p>Scarring from active disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment duration is appropriate for early-stage syphilis?

    <p>7-10 days continuously</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of lesions are the initial manifestations of Bejel?

    <p>Oral lesions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true regarding the transmission of Yaws?

    <p>Requires direct contact with lesions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the late-stage lesions associated with Pinta?

    <p>Disseminated hypopigmentation or depigmentation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which antibiotic is the primary choice for treating syphilis?

    <p>Penicillin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of Treponema pallidum subsp.pertenue?

    <p>Initial skin lesions are pruritic papules</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a recommended method for syphilis prevention?

    <p>Using barrier methods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symptom is typically associated with leptospiremia during the early stages of illness?

    <p>Acute febrile jaundice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common treatment for icteric leptospirosis?

    <p>Penicillin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of Mycoplasma bacteria?

    <p>They lack a cell wall.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Mycoplasma species is specifically known for causing infections in the respiratory tract?

    <p>M.pneumoniae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do P1 pili play in M.pneumoniae virulence?

    <p>They assist in adhering to host tissues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about the incubation period for icteric leptospirosis is correct?

    <p>It is typically around 10-12 days.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of colonies do Mycoplasma bacteria form when cultured?

    <p>Small, fried-egg-like colonies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Spirochaetes

    • Gram-negative bacteria
    • Shaped like a spiral
    • Extremely thin, can be very long
    • Motile due to periplasmic flagella (axial fibrils or endoflagella)

    Taxonomy

    • Order: Spirochaetales
    • Family: Spirochaetaceae
      • Genus: Treponema
        • Species: T. pallidum ssp. pallidum (Syphilis)
        • Species: T. pallidum ssp. endemicum (Bejel)
        • Species: T. pallidum ssp. pertenue(Yaws) -Species: T. carateum(Pinta)
    • Family: Leptospiraceae
      • Genus: Leptospira
        • Species: L. interrogans

    Treponema

    • Too thin to be seen by light microscopy in stained specimens
    • Motile spirochetes can be seen with darkfield microscopy.
    • Stained with anti-treponemal antibodies labeled with fluorescent dyes
    • Intracellular pathogen
    • Has three periplasmic flagella at each end
    • Cannot be grown in cell-free cultures in vitro (meaning it does not survive well outside a host)

    Treponema and Human Disease

    • T. pallidum ssp. pallidum causes Syphilis, transmitted by direct sexual contact or from mother to fetus.
    • Transmission rates depend on the stage of the disease.
    • Syphilis has a long incubation period when the host is non-infectious.
    • Syphilis causes tissue destruction and lesions, which are primarily caused by the patient’s immune response.
    • Syphilis is a disease of blood vessels and the perivascular areas, and the organisms can persist for decades.
    • Primary Syphilis involves invasion of mucus membranes, rapid multiplication, and wide dissemination through perivascular lymphatic system. The first sign is a painless chancre.
    • Secondary Syphilis shows up 2-10 weeks after the primary lesion. Characterized by a widely disseminated mucocutaneous rash and secondary lesions.
    • Latent stage syphilis: following secondary disease, the host enters a latent period.
      • First 4 years = early latent
      • Subsequent period = late latent
      • 40% of late latent patients progress to late tertiary syphilitic disease
    • Tertiary syphilis: characterized by localized granulomatous dermal lesions (gummas), few microorganisms present.
      • Late neurosyphilis develops usually more than 5 years after initial infection, involving the central nervous system and spinal cord, and can cause dementia, seizures, and wasting.
      • Cardiovascular involvement can appear 10-40 years after initial infection resulting in myocardial insufficiency and death.

    Congenital Syphilis

    • Results from transplacental infection
    • Characterized by T. pallidum septicemia in the developing fetus and wide dissemination.
    • Can cause abortion, neonatal mortality, and late mental or physical problems

    Prevention and Treatment of Syphilis

    • Penicillin is the drug of choice.
    • WHO monitors treatment recommendations
    • 7-10 days continuously for early stage
    • At least 21 days continuously beyond early stage
    • Prevention with barrier methods
    • Prophylactic treatment for contacts identified through epidemiological tracing

    Treponema pallidum subsp. endemicum

    • Causes Bejel (endemic syphilis).
    • Initial lesions are oral, and secondary lesions are oral papules and mucosal patches
    • Late lesions are gummas of skin, bones, and nasopharynx
    • Transmitted person-to-person by contaminated eating utensils
    • Found in primitive tropical/subtropical areas (Africa, Asia, and Australia)

    Treponema pallidum subsp pertenue

    • Characterized by Yaws: granulomatous skin disease, early skin lesions, late destructive lesions of skin, lymph nodes and bones with painless nodules widely distributed over body.
    • Transmitted via direct contact with lesions of the skin containing abundant spirochetes
    • Typical of primitive tropical areas (South America, Central Africa, Southeast Asia).

    Treponema carateum

    • Primarily restricted to skin
    • Has a 1-3 week incubation period
    • Initial symptoms are small pruritic papules which progress into enlarged plaques that last for months to years
    • Late lesions may cause disseminated, recurrent hypopigmentation or depigmentation of skin
    • Transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact.
    • Found in primitive tropical areas (Mexico, Central and South America).

    Borrelia spp.

    • Gram-negative spirochetes identified via Giemsa stain of blood, and phase contrast microscopy
    • Antigenic shift and immune reactions are responsible for the disease

    Borrelia and Human Disease

    • B. recurrentis: reservoir: humans, vector: body lice; causes Relapsing fever (epidemic)
    • B. spp: reservoir: rodents and ticks, vector: soft-shelled ticks; causes Relapsing fever (endemic)
    • B. burgdorferi: reservoir: rodents, ticks, other animals, vector: hard-shelled ticks; causes Lyme disease

    Relapsing Fever

    • Associated with poverty, crowding, and warfare
    • Arthropod vectors (lice or ticks) transmit person-to-person.
    • Lice transmit to hosts only when injured (e.g., during scratching).
    • Lice leave infected hosts and seek normal temperature hosts.
    • Often characterized by an acute infection with a 2-14 day incubation period followed by recurring febrile episodes and a constantly worsening spirochaetemia during these febrile episodes.

    Epidemiology of Lyme Borreliosis

    • Recognized in 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut
    • Associated with B. burgdorferi
    • Transmitted by hard-bodied ticks (Ixodes)
    • Reservoirs are white-footed deer mice, other rodents, deer, domesticated pets, and hard-shelled ticks.

    Lyme Disease

    • Characterized by three stages with an initial unique skin lesion (erythema migrans) with malaise.
    • Lesions periodically reoccur.
    • 5-15% of patients develop neurological or cardiac involvement.
    • Third stage involves non-destrucive, but painful arthritis.

    Leptospira interrogans

    • Gram-negative spirochete, with characteristic hooked ends (like a question mark)
    • Two periplasmic flagella
    • Tissue destruction and lesions are caused by the host's immune response
    • Able to directly invade and replicate in tissues, inducing inflammatory response

    Epidemiology of Leptospirosis

    • Zoonotic disease (transmitted to humans from various wild and domestic animal hosts such as rats, dogs, farm, and wild animals.)
    • Transmitted through breaks in the skin or intact mucus membranes, or through indirect contact with infected urine (e.g., in soil, water, feed).
    • Occupational disease of animal handling

    Clinical Disease: Leptospirosis

    • Mild virus-like syndrome

    • Anicteric leptospirosis: systemic with aseptic meningitis

    • Icteric leptospirosis (Weil's disease): overwhelming disease with vascular collapse, thrombocytopenia, hemorrhage, hepatic and renal dysfunction

    • Note: Icteric refers to jaundice (yellowing of skin and mucus membranes from deposition of bile) and liver involvement

    Pathogenesis of Icteric Leptospirosis

    • Direct invasion and replication in tissues.
    • Characterized by an acute febrile jaundice and glomerulonephritis.
    • 10-12 day incubation period with flu-like illness, progressing through two clinical stages.
    • Leptospiremia develops rapidly (usually lasts 7 days) without local lesion.
    • Infect the kidneys, shed in the urine (leptospiruria), with renal failure and death.
    • Hepatic injury and meningeal irritation is common.

    Treatment of Leptospirosis

    • Treatment with penicillin or doxycycline
    • Control reservoirs
    • Vaccinate animals

    Mycoplasmas

    • Smallest bacteria (0.1-0.3 µm)
    • Grow slowly, need sterols and glucose as a source of energy
    • Ureaplasma spp requires urea.
    • Facultative anaerobes; except M. pneumoniae - strict aerobe.
    • Lack a cell wall.
    • Resistant to penicillin, cephalosporins, vancomycin but sensitive to tetracycline and erythromycin.
    • Small, fried-egg-like colonies (except M. pneumoniae)

    Mycoplasmataceae and Human Disease

    • Genus: Mycoplasma
      • Species: M. pneumoniae
      • Species: M. hominis
      • Species: M. genitalium
    • Genus: Ureaplasma
      • Species: U. urealyticum

    M. pneumoniae

    • Primarily asymptomatic carriage
    • Causes acute pharyngitis, low-grade-fever, malaise, headache, persistent dry and non-productive cough for more than 2 weeks
    • Tracheobronchitis with lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration, and an atypical (walking) pneumonia.
    • Secondary complications include hemolytic anemia, arthritis, myocarditis, pericarditis, and neurologic abnormalities (like meningoencephalitis)

    Atypical (Walking) Pneumonia

    • Chronic; onset and recovery
    • Flu-like symptoms (generalized aches, discomfort, headache, chills, and low-grade fever).
    • Persistent non-productive cough

    Typical (Bacterial) Pneumonia

    • Abrupt, rigorous onset
    • Productive cough with purulent sputum
    • High fever, chest pain stiffness in the neck

    Treatment and Prevention of M. pneumoniae

    • Treatment with tetracycline or erythromycin or newer fluoroquinolones (cannot use cell wall synthesis inhibitors)
    • Prevention: avoid close contact; no vaccine.

    Other Mycoplasmataceae

    • M. genitalium: erythromycin, tetracycline
    • Ureaplasma: erythromycin.
    • M. hominis: clindamycin
    • Avoid unprotected sex.

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    Test your knowledge on spirochete biology and the diseases they cause with this informative quiz. Explore questions on Treponema, Leptospira, and their associated clinical manifestations and treatments. Perfect for microbiology students or anyone interested in infectious diseases.

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