[BIOLOGICAL STUDY OF EXPERIMENTAL TREPONEMATOSES. ISOLATION AND ADAPTATION OF YAWS STRAINS TO LABORATORY ANIMALS].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Animals↗
SEARCH · Search PubMed
Results for “TREPONEMA INFECTIONS”
Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization shows spatial distribution of as yet uncultured treponemes in biopsies from digital dermatitis lesions.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed on sections of plastic-embedded tissue using 16S rRNA-directed oligonucleotide probes to visualize uncultured treponemes in skin biopsies of cows with digital dermatitis. Plastic as embedding material allowed sectioning of hard and soft tissue with a defined thickness, avoiding the risk of dragging bacteria into the tissue while sectioning. furthermore, it provided a good signal-to-noise ratio. Using this method the spatial distribution of three different bacterial phylotypes was visualized simultaneously within the tissue. Whereas debris covering the ulcers contained a mixture of different micro-organisms, a layering of certain treponemal phylotypes was observed deeper in the epidermis. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and subsequent three-dimensional reconstruction of series of optical sections confirmed that the treponemes migrated intercellularly around the cells, most of them directed towards the dermis. In situ hybridization on tissue embedded in plastic proved to be a useful method to study mixed bacterial infections since it combines excellent histological conservation of tissue with identification of bacterial species by simultaneous use of probes labelled with different fluorescent dyes. This technique may have implications for in situ detection, identification and localization of microorganisms in veterinary as well as in human medicine.
Animals↗
Parasitism by virulent Treponema pallidum of host cell surfaces.
The interaction between virulent Treponema pallidum extracted from infected rabbit testes and animal cells in culture was examined. The extent of treponemal attachment to monolayers of normal rabbit testicular and HEp-2 cells was dependent upon the incubation temperature and retained motility of the spirochetes. The specific orientation of treponemes to host cell surfaces was demonstrated by dark-field microscopic examination of wet-mount preparations and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Once attached, T. pallidum organisms remained actively motile yet anchored in place by their terminal tapered structures. After several hours of co-incubation, maximal attachment was attained, and the degree of parasitism seemed regulated not only by available surface sites on individual host cells but also by the proposed membrane response of parasitized cells to continued exposure to treponemes. The avirulent strain, Treponema phagedenis biotype Reiter, did not adhere to monolayer cultures. Characterization of host cell determinants that permitted surface colonization by T. pallidum was attempted. Also, properties of virulent treponemes that enabled surface parasitism were monitored by measuring the effects of enzymes, detergents, and metabolic inhibitors on the host-parasite interaction. Results reinforced the specific nature of the treponemal attachment mechanism. Furthermore, the ability of convalescent rabbit sera to reduce attachment of treponemes to host cells suggested that surface structures on T. pallidum could be masked or inactivated by host components, thus providing a potentially effective research approach for investigating the pathogenesis of syphilis and screening appropriate vaccine candidates.
Antibodies, Bacterial↗
Outbreak of syphilis among men who have sex with men--Southern California, 2000.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by infection with the spirochete Treponema pallidum, and like other genital ulcer diseases, syphilis enhances the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). During the 1990s, syphilis occurred predominantly among heterosexual blacks in the South and in large cities. However, recent outbreaks of syphilis have occurred among men who have sex with men (MSM). A large syphilis outbreak occurred among MSM during January-July 2000 in southern California. During the outbreak period, the proportion of primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis cases among MSM increased to 51% from 26% for the same period in 1999. This report summarizes the findings of an investigation of this syphilis outbreak, which indicate a substantial increase in the number of syphilis cases among MSM, many of whom are HIV-positive. These data suggest that concern about HIV infection may be declining among MSM and emphasize the importance of strengthening efforts to prevent HIV infection in this population in the United States.
California↗
Association between coinfection of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Treponema denticola and periodontal tissue destruction in chronic periodontitis.
BACKGROUND: The association between the infection of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Treponema denticola in chronic periodontitis (CP) and the severity of periodontal disease remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the subgingival infection frequencies of three periodontopathic bacteria in Chinese CP patients and to evaluate the correlations between infection by these bacteria and periodontal destruction. METHODS: A multiple PCR assay using primers derived from 16SrDNA genes of P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans and T. denticola was established to measure simultaneously the presence of the three microbes in 162 subgingival samples from 81 Chinese CP patients. RESULTS: The positive rates of P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans and T. denticola in the subgingival samples were 84.6%, 83.3% and 88.3%, respectively. Of the subgingival samples, 68% revealed the coinfection of all the three microbes. The infection rates with P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans or T. denticola alone was 5.9% (1/17), 17.6% (3/17) and 76.5% (13/17), respectively. A close association was present between the A. actinomycetemcomitans infection and gingival index (GI) (P < 0.01), but not between P. gingivalis or T. denticola infection and GI (P > 0.05). P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans were more frequently detectable in middle and deep pockets than in shallow ones (P < 0.01), while T. denticola was found remarkably often in deep pockets (P < 0.05). The coinfection rate of the three microbes was significantly higher in sites with severe periodontitis than in those with mild periodontitis (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The multiple PCR established in this study can be used as a sensitive and specific method to simultaneously detect all three microbes in subgingival samples. A. actinomycetemcomitans infection may be associated with CP and play an important role in the periodontal tissue destruction. The coinfection of P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans and T. denticola can cause more serious periodontal destruction than infection of any one or two of the three microbes.
Adult↗
Isolation techniques for spirochetes and their sensitivity to antibiotics in vitro and in vivo.
Leptospira interrogans can be cultured from blood and cerebrospinal fluid during the first week of leptospirosis and from urine thereafter. Studies of in vitro sensitivity indicate that these organisms are sensitive to most antibiotics. Tetracycline and penicillin G are most often used clinically, although laboratory studies suggest that the bactericidal activity of penicillin G may be inadequate. Treponema pallidum cannot be satisfactorily cultured. It is identified by dark-field microscopy. Studies of in vivo sensitivity show that penicillin G is highly active against the syphilis pathogen. Since syphilis and gonorrhea may occur simultaneously, ceftriaxone, which is as active as penicillin G against T. pallidum but is also active against penicillinase-producing gonococci, is a logical choice for therapy. Borrelia burgdorferi has been cultured from the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and skin of patients with Lyme disease. In vitro studies have shown tetracycline and erythromycin to be effective against B. burgdorferi and penicillin G to be less so, although all are commonly used clinically. Ceftriaxone has also proven to be highly effective in laboratory studies and for clinical treatment.
Animals↗
Association between HIV-1 infection, the etiology of genital ulcer disease, and response to syndromic management.
BACKGROUND: Reports on the effect of HIV-1 infection on healing rates of ulcers are conflicting. GOAL: The goal was to determine the etiology and response to treatment of genital ulcer disease (GUD) in relation to HIV-1 infection. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cohort study of patients with GUD treated with local syndromic management protocols. RESULTS: Among the 587 recruited, the prevalences of infections due to HSV, Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis (lymphogranuloma venereum [LGV]), Haemophilus ducreyi, Calymmatobacterium granulomatis, and HIV-1 were 48%, 14%, 11%, 10%, 1%, and 75%, respectively. The prevalence T. pallidum of was higher among men (P = 0.03), and an association was seen among HIV-1-seronegatives on univariate and multivariate analyses (P < 0.001; = 0.01). The prevalence of C trachomatis (LGV) was higher among females (P = 0.004), and an association was seen among HIV-1-seropositives on univariate analysis (P = 0.04). At follow-up, 40/407 (10%) showed a decreased healing tendency, not associated with ulcer etiology or HIV-1 seropositivity. CONCLUSION: Response to syndromic management of GUD was acceptable and not associated with HIV-1 coinfection.
Adolescent↗
Spirochaetes in oral infections.
Oral spirochaetes, which are small-, medium- or large-sized, include species of the genus Treponema, many of which have not yet been cultured. They are found in root canal infections, pericoronitis, gingivitis and periodontitis, constituting up to 10% of the flora in endodontic abscesses, 30% in acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, and 56% in advanced marginal periodontitis. The strong proteolytic activity of these organisms probably make them causes of infection rather than consequences. Being able to penetrate tissue, they bring their enzymes, metabolic products, and endotoxins, in direct contact with target cells. This may perturb essential functions of host cells and immunoglobulins. Enzyme activities may also help fulfil the complex growth requirements of spirochaetes in vivo. Reaction between infected periodontal tissue and monoclonal antibodies to Treponema pallidum has suggested that uncharacterized pathogen-related oral spirochaetes have surface structures and functions analogue to this well recognized pathogen. This warrants a more intensified search for the role of spirochaetes in oral infections.
Dental Pulp Diseases↗
Effects of anaerobic and microaerophilic conditions of extraction and incubation on the survival of Treponema pallidum in vitro.
Treponema pallidum extracted from infected rabbit testes under anaerobic conditions survived longer in vitro than those extracted under aerobic conditions. Anaerobically extracted treponemes were incubated anaerobically for 0, 12, 24, 36, or 48 hours and then exposed to microaerophilic conditions (3% oxygen) for further incubation. Treponemes transferred to microaerophilic conditions after 36 or 48 hours' anaerobic incubation maintained significantly greater viability compared with those kept under constant microaerophilic conditions, although there was no difference after 12 or 24 hours. T pallidum incubated under constant anaerobic conditions, however, usually maintained greater viability than those kept under constant microaerophilic conditions. These results suggest that T pallidum is sensitive to oxygen toxicity both during initial extraction from orchitic rabbit testes and subsequent incubation in vitro. In the latter case, it can be partially protected by a period of anaerobic incubation in vitro, before exposure to microaerophilic conditions.
Anaerobiosis↗
Cloning and expression of hemolysin genes from Treponema denticola strains ATCC 35404 (TD-4) and human clinical isolate GM-1 in Escherichia coli.
The oral spirochete, Treponema denticola is a putative etiologic agent in adult periodontitis, and acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. In vitro, the oral treponeme produces several factors including proteases, hemolysins, hemin-binding proteins, which could potentially be involved in the virulence of this spirochete. Our laboratory has been investigating the pathobiology of T. denticola, and has demonstrated the production of several hemolysins by T. denticola. In this report two hemolysin genes from T. denticola strains ATCC 35404 (TD-4) and GM-1 were isolated by screening genomic DNA libraries of T. denticola on sheep blood agar plates. Physical maps of the insert fragments were not identical. Southern blot analyses suggested some degree of homology in the nucleotide sequence. Maxicell analyses of [35S]-methionine-labeled polypeptides from the recombinant plasmids have suggested the synthesis of an approximately 62.5 kDa polypeptide. Biochemical characterization of the T. denticola hemolysin genes indicated the activity to be inhibited by Mg2+, Ca2+ and Zn2+ but not by EDTA. Dithiothreitol and glutathione moderately enhanced the hemolytic activity of the recombinant plasmids. Iron partially inhibited the hemolytic activities. Addition of 2-2' bipyridyl moderately enhanced the activities, possibly by iron limitation. These results suggest the isolation of an identical hemolysin gene from T. denticola strains TD-4 and GM-1.
Animals↗
Development of quasi-multicellular bodies of Treponema denticola.
The formation of quasi-multicellular bodies of Treponema denticola was analysed using different electron microscopical methods. These bacteria could develop four different conformations: (i) normal helical forms; (ii) twisted spirochetes, forming plaits; (iii) twisted spirochetes,forming club-like structures; (iv) spherical bodies in different size. Treponemes within spherical bodies, plaits, and clubs proved to be enclosed in a common outer sheath in which the normal arrangement of their axial flagella was lost. The development of the quasi-multicellular bodies starting from the monoforme spirochetes was elucidated and this morphogenetic process is illustrated by a schematic drawing. Factors which might be involved in the induction of the structures are discussed and their possible pathogenetic importance is considered.
Freeze Fracturing↗
Yaws, an endemic treponematosis reconsidered in the HIV era.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
HIV Infections↗
Effect of levamisole on parenteral vaccines for swine dysentery.
Leucocyte migration-inhibition and humoral antibody responses (HAR) were demonstrated in swine immunized with particulate or soluble antigen of Treponema hyodysenteriae. Levamisole (at the recommended deworming level), given simultaneously with particulate vaccine did not significantly (P greater than 0.05) enhance nor suppress the leucocyte migration-inhibition response. However, an enhancing leucocyte migration-inhibition of the drug was seen in pigs given soluble vaccine in combination with levamisole compared with those receiving soluble antigen alone. Levamisole generally suppressed the HAR throughout the immunization schedule of pigs given soluble or particulate vaccine. There was no significant suppression (P greater than 0.05) of clinical signs of swine dysentery (SD) in animals given particulate vaccine nor in those receiving this vaccine plus levamisole. However, pigs receiving soluble vaccine plus levamisole had fewer clinical signs of SD as well as significantly (P less than 0.05) fewer shedding episodes of T. hyodysenteriae than those given soluble antigen alone. When compared with the control pigs, swine vaccinated with soluble antigen had fewer days of total diarrhoea and shedding episodes of T. hyodysenteriae. However, the diarrhoea of vaccinated pigs was not significantly (P greater than 0.05) delayed when compared to the unvaccinated swine.
Animals↗
Use of a whole chromosomal probe for identification of Treponema hyodysenteriae.
A whole chromosomal DNA probe labelled with photobiotin was used in a dot blot hybridisation to identify DNA from isolates of Treponema hyodysenteriae, the aetiological agent of swine dysentery. The probe was evaluated using DNA from 13 isolates of T hyodysenteriae and 13 isolates of non-T hyodysenteriae spirochaetes recovered from pigs. The initial test had both a sensitivity and specificity of 92.3 per cent, although when it was repeated the specificity fell to 84.6 per cent. The test was helpful in distinguishing between T hyodysenteriae and other morphologically similar treponemes that are part of the normal flora in the large intestine of pigs. The probe could also be used to detect as little as 10 ng of purified DNA from T hyodysenteriae, or DNA from 2 x 10(6) bacterial cells lysed directly onto nitrocellulose.
Animals↗
Physiological properties and classification of strains of Treponema sp. isolated from pigs in Poland.
Fifty-one treponemas were isolated from pigs. Twenty-three isolates with typical morphology and growth characteristic were beta hemolytic, enteropathogenic, produced indole and with exception of three strains did not ferment fructose. These strains were classified as typical T. hyodysenteriae and were usually isolated from pigs with symptoms of mucohemorrhagic diarrhoea. The seventeen other isolates were weakly beta hemolytic after 48 h incubation, enteropathogenic, 12 out of 17 produced indole, 10 out 17 fermented fructose. These strains were usually isolated from pigs with symptoms of gray-green diarrhoea and classified as T. hyodysenteriae 2 biotype or intermediate type. They may be compared with Treponema sp. isolated by Taylor et al. Eleven non enteropathogenic strains showed typical characteristic for T. innocens. Gas chromatography analysis of the fatty acids production from glucose, showed that all isolated treponemas produced acetate and butyrate. Typical T. hyodysenteriae produced additionally propionate. Strains of T. hyodysenteriae biotype 2 produced propionate or isobutyrate as well.
Animals↗
Evaluation of selective media for primary isolation of Treponema hyodysenteriae and Treponema innocens.
A total of 2450 samples of feces, intestinal contents and colon mucosal scrapings were bacteriologically examined. A total of 53 strains of Treponema sp. were isolated, and 45 strains of Bacteroides sp., 30 strains of E. coli, 30 strains of Micrococcus sp. and 10 strains of Streptococcus D isolates were randomly selected. Growth promoting studies showed statistically significant stimulation of Treponema sp. growth by yeast extract, chicken egg yolk and rumen fluid. Different growth inhibitors were also tested. For selective medium the following inhibitors were selected: spectinomycin, colistin, vancomycin, brilliant green. Optimal concentrations of these inhibitors in the medium were determined. Finally TSA medium supplemented with 0.05% yeast extract, 5% bovine blood, 0.01% DTT, 400 micrograms spectinomycin, and 250 micrograms/ml vancomycin, appeared to be optimal selective medium for intestinal Treponema sp. isolation. Quantitative studies showed that the number of Treponema C.F.U. on Songers et al. medium with spectinomycin and on spectinomycin-vancomycin medium, did not differ significantly. The number of overgrowing bacteria was statistically significantly lower on spectinomycin-vancomycin medium, than Songers et al. selective medium with spectinomycin. The TSA supplemented with blood, yeast extract 50 micrograms/ml of colistin and 1 microgram/ml of brilliant green was less selective than spectinomycin-vancomycin medium and inhibited some strains of Treponema sp. In the case of spectinomycin-vancomycin resistant of overgrowing bacteria, colistin-brilliant green medium may be suitable for isolation of Treponema sp.
Animals↗
Inactivation of a Serpula (Treponema) hyodysenteriae hemolysin gene by homologous recombination: importance of this hemolysin in pathogenesis in mice.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Animals↗
Typing of Treponema hyodysenteriae by restriction endonuclease analysis.
Restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) was used to type eight well-characterised strains of Treponema hyodysenteriae originating from the U.K., Canada and the U.S.A., and 16 isolates from cases of swine dysentery in Western Australia (W.A.). Several of the W.A. isolates were also serotyped by the method of Baum and Joens (1979), and the two typing techniques were compared. REA typing was more discriminatory than serotyping, being able to distinguish strains within serotypes. The new technique was neither more difficult nor more time-consuming to perform than serotyping. Within the 16 W.A. isolates, three different REA patterns were identified, with common patterns found on different farms. The eight overseas strains had seven different REA patterns, all of which could be distinguished from the patterns of the W.A. isolates.
Animals↗