Treponema pallidum 2IntroductionTreponema pallidum is a Gram-negative bacterium that has a spiral shape (1). They measure approximately 6 to 20 um in length and 18 to 20 um in diameter (1). Treponema pallidum can only survive within a host, making them obligate internal parasites, meaning that outside of a host this organism will die due to lack of nutrients, exposure to oxygen and heat. Additionally, because this organism cannot be grown on culture medium, animal models are used to study T. pallidum (1). Treponema pallidum bacteria consist of an inner and outer membrane with a thin peptidoglycan cell wall devoid of liposaccharides (1). They have distinctive corkscrew motility using 6 endoflagella (2). The specific classifications of Treponema pallidum are as follows: Scientific Name - Treponema pallidum, Common Name - Syphilis. Treponema causes syphilis, yaws and spinta. Borrelia causes Lyme disease and relapsing fever and Leptospira causes leptospirosis (5). What makes this microorganism special to the human population is that it causes infection in its host by entering the body through microscopic skin or mucosal abrasions via direct personal contact with the lesions (sexual or kissing), blood transfusions, accidental bacterial inoculation and transplacental passage. (2). According to the CDC website, 55,400 people are diagnosed with syphilis each year and 322 cases of congenital syphilis were reported in 2012 (6). or during childbirth (1). The human host is the only known natural host for Treponema pallidum, but tests can be performed in rabbits for p...... middle of paper ...... ell (8). People allergic to penicillin may be treated with other oral antibiotics such as tetracycline or doxycycline (3). These antibiotics work by inhibiting protein synthesis (8). During treatment, the individual should refrain from sexual contact with their partner until there are no signs or symptoms of the disease or confirmation of a negative blood test. Individuals should also be tested annually and receive necessary treatment if necessary to reduce the risk of infecting others (6). Syphilis can be prevented in several ways. It's all about being in a mutually monogamous relationship, using latex condoms correctly if you're not in a monogamous relationship, and also providing education about the damage the disease can cause and how how to prevent it by not spreading the disease to each other (6).