Spirochete (not everyone knows what it is) -a bacterium, a unicellular organism, which is pathogenic 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.
Treponema pallidium (Treponema Pallidium) was discovered in 1905 by German scientists and microbiologists E. Hoffmann and F. Schaudin.
Features of the spirochete
The bacterium is gram negative, that is, notGram stain aniline dyes (methyl violet), and only discolored. This is due to the fact that the composition of the bacterial cell wall (shell) is stronger than that of gram-positive organisms. This makes the cell resistant to the action of antibacterial substances, be it drugs or lysozyme contained in the nasal secretions from the nasal passages - an enzyme that can kill viruses and bacteria.
Spirochete pale is different from other bacteriaits 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. It is quite mobile, contracting, it moves in a screw-like fashion, it bends like a snake. On average, the spirochete has about 10 curls, similar in appearance to a corkscrew for uncorking wine.
The cell has fibrils (flagellate-like elements), allowing it to move well, without touching slippery surfaces, to swim. Fibrils rotate, cutting, provide movement.
The spirochete cell is covered by an outer membrane, underwhich is the cell wall, the 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 twist.
The pale spirochete is an anaerobic.That is, for life it absolutely does not need oxygen, which makes it its 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 37 ° C by dividing once every 30 hours.
The causative agent of syphilis
Syphilis is a chronic disease affecting the mucous membranes, internal organs, bones, cartilage, nervous system and skin. Pale spirochete - a parasite, the causative agent of syphilis.
Disease transmission occurs mainlysexually, but you can get sick with close household contact (towels, bath accessories, razors, toothbrushes), with blood transfusions from a person infected with syphilis. Also from the sick mother infected fetus.
The possibility of transmission of the pathogen through urine andSaliva is not proven, although if there are ulcers in the mouth, theoretically spirochetes can live there. But the bacteria live well in the mother's breast milk, sperm.
The development of the disease and its periods
Within 3 weeks after palespirocheta - the causative agent of syphilis, entered the body, lasts an incubation period, 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 in placethe introduction of the pathogen produces a painless ulcer, after which the primary period begins, which lasts about 5-6 weeks. Lymph nodes inflamed.
In the secondary period, the symptoms are numerous rashes of various forms on the palms and feet, affecting the patient's nervous system, internal organs (kidneys, liver, heart).
The immune system is trying to restrain reproduction.spirochetes, providing a protective reaction in the form of antibody production, as a result of which the bacterium slows down reproduction. The disease subsides briefly. But the body is not able to overcome all the foci of inflammation, so after a while the disease begins to progress again. So it can last for years, which indicates a chronic course of the disease.
Tertiary stage is characterized by destructiontissues and organs, the formation of syphilitic scars, the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue. If the patient does not receive treatment, the infection leads to destruction of the body systems (damage to the blood vessels, heart muscle, valves).
Pregnant women with syphilis
A woman who is not assigned to treatment until 16weeks of pregnancy, at risk of losing a fetus, losing a child during childbirth, or becoming the mother of a baby with congenital syphilis. If children survive after giving birth, then in the first weeks of their life, symptoms of primary and secondary syphilis appear: rash, deformity of the nasal bones, deafness, forehead protrudes.
Adequate treatment
Pale spirochete gradually acquiredresistance to many types of antibiotics. It does not affect the usual penicillins, macrolides. The bacterium can invade the cells lining the inner lining of blood vessels, which makes it inaccessible to drugs.
Benzathinbenzylpenicillin is used for treatment, which can be replaced with erythromycin or tetracycline.
Pale spirochete in primary or secondary syphilis is successfully eliminated with adequate treatment. The disease is considered cured in case of seronegative and no symptoms for a year.
Tertiary syphilis in our time is rare, develops without treatment. It is difficult to treat, resulting violations are irreversible, lead to disability, even death.
Infection prevention
Now that the spirochete has become clear - what it is, what danger it presents, it is worth thinking about preventive measures for infection.
First of all, you should have a discriminating sex life, using protective methods of contraception - condoms.
Use of injecting drug addicts commonsyringes, containers for the preparation of drugs - a global problem that needs to be addressed at the state level. This can lead not only to the spread of syphilis, but also other dangerous diseases (HIV, hepatitis C).
When registering, pregnant women must undergo research to exclude the most dangerous disease for the fetus.
Observance of moral principles, elementaryrules of hygiene - these are the main actions that do not allow the ingestion of venereal diseases. The culture of correct and adequate behavior should be developed from childhood, be an integral part of life in society.
