Spirochete Biology and Diseases Quiz

A type of bacteria known for its spiral (coiled) shape, belonging to the order Spirochaetales.

The term 'Spirochete' comes from the Greek word for 'coiled hair'.

These bacteria are extremely thin and can be very long.

Spirochetes use unique periplasmic flagella, also called axial fibrils or endoflagella, for movement.

The genus Treponema belongs to the family Spirochaetaceae within the order Spirochaetales.

The causative agent of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection. It is a spirochete bacterium that can be transmitted through direct sexual contact or from mother to fetus.

The initial stage of syphilis infection, characterized by the appearance of a painless sore called a chancre at the site of infection. This stage is highly contagious, but the infection can be treated with antibiotics.

This stage occurs 2-10 weeks after the primary lesion and is marked by a widespread mucocutaneous rash, potentially including sores in the mouth and genital area. It is highly contagious and reflects a generalized immune response to the infection.

This stage follows secondary syphilis and is characterized by a period of latency where the infection is less active and may not cause any symptoms. This stage is often asymptomatic but can last for years.

This stage is the later, more serious stage of syphilis infection, characterized by localized granulomatous lesions in the skin and potentially affecting the central nervous system. It occurs many years after the initial infection and can lead to serious neurological complications.

Infection with Treponema pallidum is characterized by a destruction of tissues and lesions, primarily a consequence of the host’s immune response.

Treponema pallidum primarily infects blood vessels (vasculature) and the surrounding areas. This can lead to inflammation and damage to these systems.

Despite a strong immune response, Treponema pallidum can persist in the body for decades. This is due to the bacteria's ability to evade the immune system and remain dormant, leading to persistent inflammation and damage.

A contagious bacterial infection transmitted through direct contact, characterized by painless sores, rashes, and potential long-term complications.

Syphilis that affects a developing fetus during pregnancy, resulting in various birth defects and health problems.

The primary drug used to treat syphilis, effectively eliminating the bacteria.

A subtype of syphilis that mainly affects the oral cavity, causing lesions and ulcers.

A chronic disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue, causing skin lesions and bone damage.

A skin infection caused by Treponema carateum, characterized by discolored patches on the skin.

A bacterial infection primarily spread via contact with infected animal urine. It causes a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like illness to severe complications like meningitis and liver failure.

A genus of bacteria within the family Spirochaetaceae, responsible for various diseases in humans and animals.

A unique type of bacteria known for its spiral shape and characteristic hooked ends, resembling a question mark. It's a gram-negative bacterium with periplasmic flagella.

A gram-negative spirochete bacterium that causes leptospirosis. Found in animals like rats, dogs, and farm animals.

The ability of Leptospira interrogans to directly enter and multiply within human tissues, triggering an inflammatory response.

The main mode of transmitting Leptospirosis is through contact with infected animal urine, typically found in soil, water, or feed. Humans can also contract it through breaks in the skin or intact mucous membranes.

A bacterial infection that affects the liver and kidneys, causing jaundice, fever, and potential organ failure.

The initial stage of icteric leptospirosis involves rapid multiplication of the bacteria in the bloodstream, typically lasting a week.

In the later stage of icteric leptospirosis, leptospires infect the kidneys, leading to urine excretion of the bacteria and potential renal failure.

Penicillin and doxycycline are effective antibiotics for treating icteric leptospirosis. Additionally, managing reservoirs of the bacteria and vaccinating susceptible animals play crucial roles in controlling its spread.

These bacteria lack a cell wall, making them resistant to antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis (e.g., penicillin, cephalosporins, vancomycin). However, they are susceptible to certain other classes of antibiotics.

Mycoplasma species, like M. pneumoniae, are known to cause respiratory infections, while Ureaplasma species, like U. urealyticum, are associated with genitourinary infections.

M. pneumoniae utilizes specialized structures called P1 pili to attach to the respiratory tract lining. This adherence disrupts the movement of cilia and impairs the body's defense mechanisms.

M. pneumoniae acts as a superantigen, a type of molecule that triggers an exaggerated immune response. This leads to excessive inflammation and the release of inflammatory mediators.

A type of pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, often milder than bacterial pneumonia, with symptoms like fatigue, cough, and low-grade fever.

Caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, these infections can cause a range of symptoms from mild pharyngitis to more serious pneumonia. The symptoms can persist for weeks.

A class of bacteria that lack cell walls, making them resistant to antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis.

Erythromycin and tetracyclines are often used to treat infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. New fluoroquinolones are also effective.

Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum can cause various infections in the genital tract, including urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and complications during pregnancy.

A genus of spirochetes that includes the causative agent of syphilis, Treponema pallidum. These bacteria are extremely thin and require specialized microscopy techniques for visualization.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum and can have serious long-term consequences for cardiovascular health.

Penicillin is the drug of choice for treating syphilis and is highly effective in eliminating the bacteria.

Prevention of syphilis includes using barrier methods during sexual activity, and prophylactic treatment of individuals who have come into contact with infected people.

Syphilis can be treated effectively with penicillin, especially if caught in the early stages. It's crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect you have syphilis.

The stage of syphilis infection following secondary syphilis where the infection is less active and may not cause any symptoms. It is often asymptomatic but can last for years. During this stage, the spirochetes may remain dormant.

The hallmark lesion of primary syphilis, typically a painless sore that appears at the site of infection. The chancre changes from hard to ulcerative with shedding of spirochetes.

A localized granulomatous dermal lesion that appears in the tertiary stage of syphilis. It reflects containment by the immune system's reaction to chronic infection.

Syphilis primarily affects blood vessels and the surrounding areas, leading to inflammation and damage. This is a consequence of the body's immune response to the infection.

Characterized by various clinical manifestations including mild virus-like illness, aseptic meningitis, and severe systemic complications.

Weil's disease, characterized by vascular collapse, thrombocytopenia, hemorrhage, hepatic and renal dysfunction, and a yellowing of the skin and mucus membranes due to bile deposition.

The stage of icteric leptospirosis where the bacteria multiplies rapidly in the bloodstream, typically lasting a week.

The stage of icteric leptospirosis where the bacteria infect the kidneys leading to the excretion of leptospires in urine and potential renal failure.

A species of Mycoplasma responsible for respiratory infections.

A species of Mycoplasma that causes infections in the genital tract.

Specialized structures on M. pneumoniae that allow attachment to the respiratory tract lining.

A molecule that triggers an exaggerated immune response, leading to excessive inflammation.

A type of pneumonia often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, characterized by gradual onset, less severe symptoms, and a persistent cough. Patients may feel well enough to be active, hence the name "walking pneumonia".

A specific bacterium that causes atypical pneumonia. It is known for its slow onset and lingering cough.

Treatment for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections often includes antibiotics like erythromycin or tetracyclines. New fluoroquinolones may also be effective.