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PubMedDate not supplied

Human immunodeficiency virus and Treponema pallidum infections in Nigerian patients with leprosy.

Fifty-one patients were selected from 4 leprosaria in eastern Nigeria and were examined for evidence of syphilis. They were screened serologically for treponemal and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Information about their sexual behaviour and demographic data were obtained to determine the factors associated with increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STD). They were compared with 115 controls. The results showed that positive treponemal tests were more common in those patients living outside the leprosaria (P < 0.05). Age and sex of the patients living inside the leprosaria were not factors associated with treponemal infections. Leprosy appeared to be a factor for T. pallidum infection when compared with the control group (P < 0.05; OR 476; CI 1.16, 19.5). One leprosy patient and one control subject had positive HIV tests and there was no significant association between leprosy and HIV infection. These findings suggest the possibility of the spread of sexually transmitted diseases amongst the leprosy patient population. The importance with respect to control measures is that leprosy patients living outside leprosaria may constitute a potential reservoir for introducing sexually transmitted diseases into the leprosaria.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Atypical presentation of co-existent Haemophilus ducreyi and Treponema pallidum infection in an HIV-positive male.

A 25-year-old homosexual black male presented with asymmetrical perianal ulceration of uncertain clinical origin. Indepth microbiological examination revealed the combined presence of Haemophilus ducreyi and Treponema pallidum. The atypical clinical appearance may have been due to the changed immunological status of the host's being infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Experimental infection with Treponema hyodysenteriae in guinea pigs.

Outbred and inbred (Hartley strain) guinea pigs (GP) were inoculated intragastrically with pathogenic and nonpathogenic Treponema hyodysenteriae. GP 3 to 16 weeks old received T. hyodysenteriae after a fasting period of 36 to 72 h. Infected GP with pathogenic T. hyodysenteriae developed a diarrheal and/or depressive condition, with mucus but not blood in the feces. Of 88 GP, 40 had gross lesions resembling those of swine dysentery. Lesions were limited mainly to the large intestine. TP used as controls or inoculated with nonpathogenic T. hyodysenteriae did not develop these lesions in the large intestine. These studies suggest that the GP may be used as an animal model for swine dysentery.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Enriched immune T cell suspension protects rabbits against infection with Treponema pallidum.

Four groups of rabbits were given intravenously (i.v.) enriched T or B lymphocytes derived from normal or immunized donor rabbits; 24 hrs later, all these animals were infected intradermally (i.d.) with T. pallidum in order to check their immune status. Only rabbits which received immune T cells showed a state of resistance to infection with T. pallidum, whereas recipients of lymphocytes of three other groups did not.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Effect of local and systemic macrophage activation in hamsters on infection with Treponema pertenue and Treponema pallidum Bosnia A.

The role of nonspecific macrophage activation in the destruction of treponemes needs to be defined. Studies have been hindered by an inability to confirm that macrophages have enhanced bactericidal activity at the site of treponemal infection. We show that subcutaneous and intravenous vaccination with BCG (Mycobacterium bovis) induces macrophage activation in hamsters, as determined by an enhanced ability to suppress the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in the livers, spleens, and inguinal lymph nodes. However, hamsters challenged in the inguinal region with Treponema pertenue during periods of enhanced microbial resistance (3 to 8 weeks after BCG vaccination) developed lesions faster and with more necrosis. Increased numbers of treponemes were recovered from the regional lymph nodes of BCG-vaccinated hamsters than from nonvaccinated controls, although the differences were not statistically significant. No pathological differences were detected in BCG-vaccinated and non-vaccinated hamsters challenged with Treponema pallidum Bosnia A. These studies demonstrate that BCG vaccination influences the pathogenesis of some treponemal diseases without inducing macrophage-mediated treponemicidal activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Antibody-mediated protection of guinea-pigs against infection with Treponema pallidum.

The results of this study demonstrate that passive transfer of immune serum containing high titres of treponemal antibody into normal guinea-pigs significantly lowered the percentage of animals developing chancre-like lesions, but did not prevent the dissemination of organisms into the draining lymph nodes after these recipients were challenged with virulent treponemes. Similar levels of partial protection against cutaneous syphilitic infection occurred in guinea-pigs receiving partially purified anti-treponemal immunoglobulins, while immune serum depleted of IgG by treatment with Protein A was totally unprotective. Western blotting analysis revealed the presence of several Treponema pallidum polypeptides detectable by immune guinea-pig IgG. These findings provide direct evidence to suggest that syphilitic infection induces the formation of serum factors, residing primarily in the IgG fraction of immune serum, that are capable of providing a limited form of resistance to symptomatic disease.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The humoral immune response in rabbits infected with Treponema pallidum: Comparison of antibody levels measured by the staphylococcal protein A-IgG (SPA-TP) microassay with VDRL, FTA-Abs, and TPI antibody responses during the development of acquired resistance to challenge.

The ontogeny of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) immune response in experimental syphilis was determined by use of an antitreponemal microassay (SPA-TP) in which radioiodinated staphylococcal protein A (SPA) was used. Results were compared with those obtained in the same rabbits by use of the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL), fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption (FTA-Abs), and Treponema pallidium immobilization (TPI) tests. Of the four serologic tests, only the SPA-TP and TPI assays gave results that correlated significantly over the entire 17-month period of infection. Preliminary evidence indicated that the antibody detected by the SPA-TP microassay may correlate quantitatively with the state of host immunity as determined by in vivo challenge; if this finding is confirmed, the SPA-TP microassay could be applied for assessment of the immune status in syphilis.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Immunocompetence of inflammatory cells in rabbit testes infected with Treponema pallidum.

Systematic studies were conducted in rabbits to delineate factors favoring the predilection for multiplication of T. pallidum in testes. The results strongly suggest that, in addition to the mucoid material produced during lesion development regardless of the site of infection, a whole array of testicular substances with immunomodulatory activity may largely contribute to the propagation and delayed clearance of the pathogen from the testicular environment and most likely from the host.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

[Influence of different components of stored blood on the infectivity of Treponema pallidum (Nichols Strain) (author's transl)].

A factor with killing effect at 35 degrees C on Treponema pallidum is shown to be in normal human serum. The activity of this factor is increased by the stabiliser of stored blood.--In the presence of the stabiliser T. pallidum loses its infectivity in human serum at 4 degrees C within 10 hours. The mechanism of the reaction is explained.--Finally it is discussed whether these observations may be helpful in the prevention of transfusion syphilis.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Studies on autolymphocytotoxic activity occurring in Treponema pallidum infection.

It was found that in sera of majority of syphilitic rabbits cold lymphocytotoxic activity occurs. This activity appears usually 3 to 10 weeks after infection and it is present for 9 to 10 weeks. Lymphocytotoxic activity was found in undiluted sera or diluted from 1/2 to 1/8. This activity was directed against B lymphocytes only. Lymphocytotoxicity was found only in sera with high level of VDRL antibodies. The role of this activity in syphilis is not known. The killing effect exerted on B lymphocytes producing syphilitic reagins directed not only against T. pallidum, suggests that lymphocytotoxic activity may take part in the regulation of humoral response at the beginning of syphilitic infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Treponema pallidum infection in subcutaneous polyethylene chambers in rabbits.

Male New Zealand white rabbits with subcutaneous polyethylene chambers in place for at least 3 months were inoculated by one of the following three methods: (i) "intra-chamber" (IC) inoculation with "normal" chamber fluid: (ii) intratesticular inoculation with Treponema pallidum; or (iii) IC inoculation with T. pallidum. Rabbits given dexamethasone only, oxisuran only, both drugs, or no drug were observed serially after inoculation. T. pallidum survived and temporarily multiplied to significant numbers within subucutaneous chambers after IC inoculation in rabbits given dexamethasone. In rabbits not treated with dexamethasone, T. pallidum counts in chamber fluid decreased rapidly and remained at low levels for 30 days after IC inoculation. Oxisuran appeared to have little or no effect on T. pallidum multiplication. All rabbits studied had a nonreactive serum and chamber fluid serological test for syphilis before inoculation. All rabbits inoculated with T. pallidum eventually developed reactive serum and chamber fluid serological tests. The IC route of inoculation was associated with a delay in the development of serum serological reactivity and with earlier chamber fluid reactivity as compared with the intratesticular route of inoculation. An immediate but transent influx of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was associated with IC inoculation of T. pallidum. Chamber fluid total protein content declined very slightly in all groups of rabbits during the month after inoculations. Successful cultivation of T. pallidum in an in vivo setting suggests that this animal model may be useful in further studies of the biology of the organism of the pathogenesis, immunology, and treatment of syphilis.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Development of immunological responsiveness and resistance to infection with Treponema pallidum in rabbits given immune lymphocyte preparations.

Three groups of normal rabbits were administered: 1. viable lymphocytic cells; 2. lysates of lymphocytes obtained by freezing and thawing, and 3. low molecular weight dialyzable transfer factor (TF). The lymphocytes were derived from peripheral blood, lymph nodes, and spleens of rabbits: 1. cured of longlasting syphilitic infection by penicillin treatment, and 2. immunized with nonviable T. pallidum, exhibiting a good reactivity by tests for humoral and cell-mediated responses. All the three lymphocyte preparations were found to be able to transfer cell-mediated response as measured by the Macrophage Migration Inhibition Test (MMI) and the Skin Test for Delayed Hypersenitivity to Treponemal Antigens (SDH), from a reactive donor to the nonreactive recipient rabbit; the intensity of the response found in the recipient was roughly the same as in the donor. None of the lymphocyte preparations transferred humoral response, as measured by the TPI and VDRL tests. Only whole lymphocytic cells were found to be able to confer a stat of resistance to infection with T. pallidum on normal recipients.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence of HIV and Treponema pallidum infections in pregnant women in Campinas and their association with socio-demographic factors.

The anonymous seroprevalence of HIV and syphilis was studied by collecting umbilical cord blood samples from 5,815 women who gave birth in Campinas' hospitals throughout a six-month period. ELISA and Western blot were used for HIV, and VDRL and TPHA for Treponema pallidum screening. While maintaining the anonymity of the women, information was recorded on the hospital of origin, divided into university (public) and private hospitals, as well as on the form of payment (social security, private insurance or direct payment), age, marital status, education, employment and place of residence. Seroprevalence was 0.42 percent for HIV and 1.16 percent for syphilis. There was a significant correlation between a positive reaction to the two infections (p = 0.02). After univariate and logistic regression analysis, only university hospitals were shown to be associated with seropositivity for HIV, whereas the same variable and an older age were associated with syphilis. All positive reactions were found either in public hospitals or among social security patients treated at private institutions. The conclusion was that HIV infection is becoming almost as prevalent as syphilis among this population, and affects primarily the lower socio-economic strata. This suggests that routine, voluntary HIV serology should be considered and discussed with patients during prenatal or delivery care whenever a population shows a seroprevalence close to or greater than 1 percent.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed1995

HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I/II and Treponema pallidum infections: incidence, prevalence, and HIV-2-associated mortality in an occupational cohort in Guinea-Bissau.

The prevalence and incidence of human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1, HIV-2), human T-lymphotropic virus types I and II (HTLV-I/II), and syphilitic infections and the association between these infections were determined in a cohort of police officers in Guinea-Bissau. Between January 1990 and December 1992, 1,384 subjects (1,241 men and 143 women) were included in the study; and of the first 879 tested, 561 were tested at least for a second time. The overall seroprevalence of HIV-1 was 0.4%, of HIV-2 11.6%, and of HTLV I/II 4.4%. Three individuals (0.2%) were seropositive for both HIV-1 and HIV-2. Women had a significantly higher prevalence of HIV-2 infection than men (16.8% and 11.0%, respectively, p < 0.05). Serologic evidence of previous syphilis was present in 12.1% and was significantly more common in men (12.7%) than in women (7.0%) (p < 0.05). There was a significant association between the prevalence of HIV-2 and HTLV-I/II infection (p < 0.05). The annual incidence of HIV-1 was 0.7%, of HIV-2 1.6%, of HTLV I/II 0.4%, and of syphilis 1.7%. There was no association between the incidence of the various infections. The death rate (per 100 person-years) was significantly higher among HIV-2-infected individuals (2.7%) than among HIV-negative individuals (0.5%) (relative risk = 5.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.1-12.2; p < 0.001). HIV-related symptoms were more frequent among the HIV-2-positive individuals who died compared with the seronegative individuals who died (p < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Studies of rabbit testes infected with Treponema pallidum. I Immunopathology.

Rabbit testes were injected with suspensions of Treponema pallidum, washed T pallidum, heat killed T pallidum, or Reiter treponemes. The testes were removed three to 24 days after injection and examined for the number of treponemes, the presence of treponemal antibodies, histopathological changes, and presence of T and B cells. In animals infected with T pallidum a substantial number (10(6)-10(7)/ml) of organisms were still present at day 24 in spite of early local production of antibodies and increasing infiltration with plasma cells, T lymphocytes, and macrophages. In animals infected with washed T pallidum a lower degree of inflammation was observed than in those infected with unmodified T pallidum, and the treponemal antibodies were detected simultaneously in samples of testicular fluid and serum. In the groups injected with heat killed T pallidum and Reiter treponemes no macroscopical or microscopical changes were detected, although in the group injected with heat killed T pallidum treponemal antibodies were detected in the testicular fluid on day 24.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Cytokine gene expression in skin of susceptible guinea-pig infected with Treponema pallidum.

Using a semi-quantitative multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay, we examined cytokine mRNA expression for interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha), IL-2, IL-10, IL-12p40, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in skin samples obtained from C4-deficient (C4D) guinea-pigs inoculated intradermally with virulent Treponema pallidum (VTP). Controls included unmanipulated animals, guinea-pigs injected with T. pallidum-free rabbit inflammatory testicular fluid (ITF) alone, or mixed with heat-killed organisms (HKTP). The expression of IL-1alpha, IL-12p40, and TNF-alpha mRNA [T helper type 1 (Th1)] remained within the normal range in both infected and control animals throughout the experimental period. However, a significant increase (P<0.05) in IL-10 mRNA (Th2) was found exclusively in the VTP-inoculated animals from 3 to 30 days post-infection. Another unique characteristic of the inflammatory response in infected guinea-pigs was the appearance, between 11 and 30 days post-inoculation, of a substantial number of eosinophils in addition to infiltrating mononuclear cells. The results showed a local Th2 response which is consistent with an inadequate immune response. This is reflected by the lengthy and incomplete clearance of the pathogen from the local site of entry and the chronic infection of distant organs.

Animals↗