Treponema

Treponema is a genus of spiral-shaped, motile bacteria known as spirochetes. The most clinically significant species is Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis and related diseases. Other pathogenic species include T. pallidum pertenue (yaws), T. pallidum endemicum (bejel), and T. carateum (pinta). They are Gram-negative by structure but lacks lipopolysaccharide in its outer membrane and has limited metabolic capabilities, relying on the host for nutrients. Treponema species have no quinone biosynthesis pathways; rely on noncanonical RNF-type redox systems using flavin for electron transport across membranes to generate electrochemical gradients needed for ATP synthesis and motility via flagellar rotation. Visualization requires dark-field or phase contrast microscopy due to its thin structure.

Other names

Spirochetes