How Do You Spell TREPONEMA PERTENUE?

1. Treponema pertenue is a bacterium that is the causative agent of a chronic skin infection known as yaws. This bacterium belongs to the Treponema genus, which also includes other notorious species such as Treponema pallidum, responsible for syphilis.

   Treponema pertenue is a gram-negative, non-motile, and highly slender bacterium with a spiral shape. It is characterized by its ability to infect the skin, bones, and cartilage, predominantly affecting children living in tropical regions with poor sanitation conditions.

   The infection occurs through direct contact with an open sore or lesion of an infected individual, primarily through skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated objects. The bacterium penetrates the skin, entering the bloodstream and subsequently spreading throughout the body.

   The symptoms of yaws usually manifest as skin lesions, with a primary lesion appearing at the site of entry. These initial sores are usually painless but develop into larger ulcers with raised borders. The infection can then progress into secondary and tertiary stages, invading deeper tissues and causing severe deformities.

   Treponema pertenue is commonly found in regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific islands, particularly in rural areas with limited access to healthcare resources. Yaws is recognized as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization (WHO).

   Treating yaws typically involves administering antibiotics such as penicillin or azithromycin. In addition, prevention and control strategies include mass treatment campaigns, improving hygiene and sanitation conditions, and promoting community awareness about the disease.

2. Spirochceta pertenuis, the supposed pathogenic parasite of yaws.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for TREPONEMA PERTENUE

The etymology of the word "Treponema pertenue" can be explained as follows:

The word "Treponema" is derived from the Greek word "trepein", meaning "to turn or to change", and "nema", meaning "thread or filament". It refers to the spiral or corkscrew shape of bacteria belonging to the genus Treponema.

The term "pertenue" is derived from the Latin word "tener", meaning "tender or mild", emphasizing the relatively milder symptoms caused by this particular species of Treponema compared to other pathogenic species within the same genus. It distinguishes Treponema pertenue from other treponemal bacteria that cause more severe diseases, such as Treponema pallidum, which causes syphilis.