The spirochete is pale. The causative agent of syphilis is pale treponema

Spirochaeta (what is it, do not everyone know) - a bacterium, a single-celled organism that has pathogenicity for humans, that is, capable of causing infectious diseases. The most dangerous type of microbe is pale treponema, which is the causative agent of venereal disease - syphilis.

Pale treponema (Treponema Pallidium) was discovered in 1905 by German scientists and microbiologists E. Hoffman and F. Schaudin.

Features of a spirochete

The bacterium is gram-negative, that is, it is not stained by an aniline dye (methyl violet), but only discolored. This is due to the fact that the composition of the cell wall of the bacterium (shell) is stronger than that of gram-positive organisms. This makes the cell resistant to the action of antibacterial substances, whether drugs or saliva and secretions from the nasal passages of lysozyme, an enzyme capable of destroying viruses and bacteria.

Spirochaeta pale differs from other bacteria in its length and unusual structure. These cells are twisted in a spiral. The length of the spirochete varies from 8 to 20 μm, which makes it unlike other bacteria. It is quite mobile, cutting, it moves helically, bends, like a snake. On average, the spirochete has about 10 curls, in appearance it is similar to a corkscrew for wine uncorking.

The cell has fibrils (flagellum-like elements), allowing it to move well without touching slippery surfaces, to swim. Fibrils rotate, contracting, provide movement.

The cell of the spirochaeta is covered by an outer membrane, under which there is a cell wall, a cytoplasmic membrane surrounding the protoplasmic cylinder and the cytoplasm. The cylinder is covered with flagella, which, inside the cage, ensure its ability to flex and wriggle.

Spirocheta pale is anaerobic. That is, for life, she absolutely does not need oxygen, which makes her a habitat, for example, the human body. The sources of its energy for life are carbohydrates and amino acids.

But it has some peculiarity. The fact is that the spirochete can only reproduce at a temperature of 37 ° C by dividing it once every 30 hours.

The causative agent of syphilis

Syphilis is a chronic disease that affects the mucous membranes, internal organs, bones, cartilage, nervous system and skin. A pale spirochete is a parasite, a causative agent of syphilis.

Transmission of the disease occurs mainly through sexual contact, but you can get sick with close personal contact (towels, bath accessories, razors, toothbrushes), with blood transfusions from a person infected with syphilis. Also from a sick mother, the fetus becomes infected.

The possibility of transmitting the pathogen through urine and saliva is not proven, although if there are ulcers in the mouth, theoretically spirochetes can live there. But the bacteria perfectly live in the mother's breast milk, sperm.

Development of the disease and its periods

Within 3 weeks after the pale spirochete is the causative agent of syphilis, it enters the body, the incubation period lasts , which passes asymptomatically. After it follows the primary period, then the secondary and tertiary.

The bacterium can release endotoxin, poisoning the blood and internal organs of the patient.

After the expiration of the incubation period, a painless ulcer is formed at the site of the pathogen introduction, after which the primary period begins, which lasts about 5-6 weeks. Lymph nodes swell.

In the secondary period, the symptoms are numerous rashes of various forms on the palms and feet, the nervous system of the patient, internal organs (kidneys, liver, heart) is affected.

The immune system tries to restrain the reproduction of the spirochaete, providing a protective reaction in the form of antibodies, so that the bacterium slows down reproduction. Disease briefly subsides. But the body is not able to overcome all the foci of inflammation, therefore after a while the disease begins to progress again. So it can last for years, which indicates a chronic course of the disease.

The tertiary stage is characterized by the destruction of tissues and organs, the formation of syphilitic scars, the destruction of cartilaginous and bone tissue. If the patient does not receive treatment, then the infection leads to the destruction of the body's systems (damage to blood vessels, heart muscle, valves).

Syphilis of pregnant women

A woman who is not prescribed treatment before the 16th week of pregnancy risks losing a fetus, losing a child during childbirth, or becoming a mother of a baby with congenital syphilis. If children survive after childbirth, then in the first weeks of their life symptoms of primary and secondary syphilis manifest themselves: rash, deformation of the nasal bones, deafness, protruding forehead.

Adequate treatment

Spirochete pale gradually acquired resistance to many types of antibiotics. It does not act ordinary penicillins, macrolides. The bacterium can be introduced into the cells lining the inner shell of the vessels, which makes it unattainable for drugs.

For treatment, benzathine benzylpenicillin is used, which can be replaced with erythromycin or tetracycline.

Spirochete pale with primary or secondary syphilis is successfully eliminated with adequate treatment. The disease is cured in the case of seronegativia and the absence of symptoms throughout the year.

Tertiary syphilis in our time is rare, it develops in the absence of treatment. Difficult to give in to therapy, the resulting violations are irreversible, lead to disability, even death.

Prevention of infection

Now that the spirochete has become clear - what it is, what danger it poses, it is worth considering the measures to prevent infection.

First of all, you should lead a discriminating sexual life, using protective methods of contraception - condoms.

The use of injecting drug users with common syringes, drug preparation tanks is a global problem that must be solved at the state level. This can lead not only to the spread of syphilis, but also other dangerous diseases (HIV, hepatitis C).

Pregnant women in the registration must necessarily undergo studies to exclude the most dangerous disease for the fetus.

Observance of moral principles, elementary rules of hygiene - these are the main actions that prevent the entry of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases into the body. The culture of correct and adequate behavior must be developed from childhood, to be an integral part of life in society.