Spirochete (what it is, not everyone knows) is a bacterium, a unicellular organism that has pathogenicity for humans, that is, it can cause infectious diseases. The most dangerous type of microbe is pale treponema, which is the causative agent of a sexually transmitted disease - syphilis.
Treponema pallidium was discovered in 1905 by German scientists and microbiologists E. Hoffmann and F. Schaudin.
Spirochete Features
The bacterium is gram-negative, that is , it is not stained by Gram with aniline dyes (methyl violet), but only discolored. This is due to the fact that the composition of the cell wall of the bacterium (membrane) is stronger than that of gram-positive organisms. This makes the cell resistant to the action of antibacterial substances, whether it’s a medicine or lysozyme contained in saliva and secretions from the nasal passages - an enzyme that can destroy viruses and bacteria.
Pale spirochete 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 microns, which makes it unlike other bacteria. She is quite mobile, contracting, she moves in a helical fashion, bends like a snake. On average, the spirochete has about 10 curls, in appearance it is similar to a corkscrew for uncorking wine.
The cell has fibrils (flagella-like elements) that allow it to move well, without touching slippery surfaces, to swim. Fibrils rotate, contracting, provide movement.
The spirochete cell is covered with 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, being inside the cell, provide its ability to bend and wriggle.
Spirochete pale is an anaerobic. That is, for life, it absolutely does not need oxygen, which makes it a habitat, for example, the human body. Sources of its energy for life are carbohydrates and amino acids.
But she has some peculiarity. The fact is that the spirochete can reproduce only at a temperature of 37 ° C by dividing once every 30 hours.
Causative agent of syphilis
Syphilis is a chronic disease that affects the mucous membranes, internal organs, bones, cartilage, nervous system, and skin. Pale spirochete is a parasite, a causative agent of syphilis.
The transmission of the disease occurs mainly through sexual contact, but you can get sick with close household contact (towels, bath accessories, razors, toothbrushes), and blood transfusion from a person infected with syphilis. Also, the fetus becomes infected from a sick mother.
The possibility of transmission of the pathogen through urine and saliva has not been proven, although if there are ulcers in the mouth, theoretically, spirochetes can live there. But the bacteria live beautifully in breast milk, sperm.
The development of the disease and its periods
Within 3 weeks after the pale spirochete, the causative agent of syphilis, enters the body, the incubation period lasts, which is asymptomatic. After it follows the primary period, then the secondary and tertiary.
The bacterium is able to secrete endotoxin, poisoning the blood and internal organs of the patient.
After the incubation period, a painless ulcer forms at the pathogen introduction site, after which the initial period begins, which lasts about 5-6 weeks. The lymph nodes become inflamed.
In the secondary period, the symptoms are numerous rashes of various forms on the palms and feet, the patient’s nervous system and internal organs (kidneys, liver, heart) are affected.
The immune system tries to restrain the reproduction of spirochetes, providing a protective reaction in the form of antibody production, as a result of which the bacterium slows down the reproduction. The disease subsides for a while. But the body is not able to overcome all the foci of inflammation itself, so after a while the disease begins to progress again. This can continue 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 cartilage and bone tissue. If the patient does not receive treatment, then the infection leads to the destruction of body systems (damage to blood vessels, heart muscle, valves).
Pregnant Syphilis Disease
A woman who is not prescribed treatment before 16 weeks of pregnancy is at risk of losing the fetus, losing the baby during childbirth, or becoming the mother of a baby with congenital syphilis. If the children survive after childbirth, then in the first weeks of their life symptoms of primary and secondary syphilis appear: rash, deformation of the nasal bones, deafness, and the forehead protrudes.
Adequate treatment
Pale spirochete gradually acquired resistance to many types of antibiotics. It does not act on ordinary penicillins, macrolides. The bacterium can invade the cells lining the inner lining of the vessels, which makes it inaccessible to drugs.
For treatment, benzathinebenzylpenicillin is used, which can be replaced by erythromycin or tetracycline.
Spirochete pale in primary or secondary syphilis is successfully eliminated with adequate treatment. The disease is considered cured in case of seronegativeness and in the absence of symptoms within a year.
Tertiary syphilis in our time is rare, develops in the absence of treatment. It is difficult to treat, the resulting violations are irreversible, leading to disability, even death.
Infection prevention
Now that the spirochete has become clear - what it is, what danger it poses, it is worth considering measures to prevent infection.
First of all, you should lead a legible sexual life using protective methods of contraception - condoms.
The use of common syringes and containers for drug preparation by injecting drug users is a global problem that needs to be addressed at the state level. This can lead not only to the spread of syphilis, but also to other dangerous diseases (HIV, hepatitis C).
When registering, pregnant women must undergo studies in order to exclude the most dangerous disease for the fetus.
Compliance with moral principles, elementary rules of hygiene - these are the main actions that prevent the entry of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases into the body. A culture of correct and adequate behavior should be developed from childhood, be an integral part of life in society.