Lecture Notes on Spirochetes, Lyme Disease, and Syphilis

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on spirochetes, including specific diseases like Lyme disease and syphilis, their transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and public health impact.

What distinguishes spirochetes from other bacteria?

They are thin, spiral in shape, cannot be visualized by conventional microscopy, and have unique endoflagella.

What are the diseases caused by spirochetes?

Diseases include Syphilis (Treponema pallidum), Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), Relapsing Fever (Borrelia sp.), and Leptospirosis (Leptospira interrogans).

What is the main vector for Lyme Disease?

The main vector is the Ixodes tick (deer tick).

What is the characteristic rash associated with Lyme Disease?

The characteristic rash is known as erythema migrans, which appears as a 'bull's eye' pattern.

What are some common complications of Lyme Disease?

Complications can include carditis, joint pain (arthralgia), and neurological manifestations like Bell's palsy.

How is Lyme Disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, specifically the erythema migrans rash, and serological testing.

What are the steps in the serological testing for Lyme Disease?

The steps include an ELISA test followed by a Western blot if the ELISA is positive.

What is congenital syphilis?

Congenital syphilis is an infection that occurs when Treponema pallidum crosses the placenta during pregnancy, causing serious complications in the fetus.

What is the impact of syphilis on HIV transmission?

Syphilis infection increases the risk of HIV transmission and vice versa.

What happened in the Tuskegee Syphilis Study?

The study followed untreated syphilis in African American men from 1932 to 1972 without providing them treatment, highlighting racial health disparities.

What is the recommended treatment for syphilis?

Penicillin is the most effective treatment for syphilis.

What challenges exist in diagnosing syphilis in minority populations?

Racial disparities in healthcare access can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, particularly in Black Americans.

What are some prevention strategies for Lyme Disease?

Prevention strategies include protective clothing, early removal of ticks, and using insect repellents.

What is the significance of antigenic variation in spirochetes?

Antigenic variation helps spirochetes evade the immune system and contributes to chronic infections.

What commonalities do Lyme Disease and Syphilis share?

Both are caused by spirochetes, have low bacterial loads causing damage primarily through the inflammatory response, and can present in three stages.

What evidence exists for the rising incidence of syphilis in certain populations?

Incidence has notably increased among men who have sex with men (MSM) and is associated with increased HIV rates.