The causative agent of syphilis is a living organism of microscopic dimensions, called pale treponema ( Treponema pallidum ). Thanks to microbiology, the science of microorganisms, it was found that pale treponema is a gram-negative spirochete. Its body is spiraling, thin and curved. The length of the body varies from 4 to 14 μm, and the diameter of the cross section is 0.2-0.5 μm. Despite such sizes, the causative agent of syphilis is a very active microorganism. And because the surface of the body of pale treponema envelops the mucopolysaccharide substance, it is almost invulnerable to both phagocytes and antibodies.
The name "pale" treponema has received from a special property not to be liable to staining with special dyes for bacteria. Pale treponema does not live outside the human body. For research it can be distinguished only from the pathological material of a sick person. The best development medium for pale spirochetes is purulent contents.
Microbiology of the forms of the causative agent of syphilis
Due to microscopic studies, in addition to the spiral form of pale treponema, granular (cystoid) and L-form was established. It is assumed that the cystoid and L-form are daughter. During intracellular development, the spiral form of pale treponema dies. The cell envelope is damaged and many parasites invading other host cells come out.
How to destroy the causative agent of syphilis - a pale spirochete?
A pale spirochaete (treponema) is killed by an invitro disinfectant. It is sensitive to specific antibiotics - Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Penicillin, as well as Arsenobenzolam. Of the latest generation antibiotics, Cephalosporin is used.