(Translated by https://www.hiragana.jp/)
Molecular subtyping of Treponema pallidum in an Arizona County with increasing syphilis morbidity: use of specimens from ulcers and blood

Molecular subtyping of Treponema pallidum in an Arizona County with increasing syphilis morbidity: use of specimens from ulcers and blood

J Infect Dis. 2001 Jun 1;183(11):1601-6. doi: 10.1086/320698. Epub 2001 May 1.

Abstract

A molecular-based subtyping system for Treponema pallidum was used during an investigation of increasing syphilis in Maricopa County, Arizona. Genital ulcer or whole blood specimens from patients with syphilis were assayed by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a T. pallidum DNA polymerase I gene. Positive specimens were typed on the basis of PCR amplification of 2 variable genes. In all, 41 (93%) of 44 of ulcer specimens and 4 (27%) of 15 blood specimens yielded typeable T. pallidum DNA. Twenty-four (53%) of 45 specimens were subtype 14f; other subtypes identified included 4f, 4i, 5f, 12a, 12f, 14a, 14d, 14e, and 14i. Only 2 specimens were from epidemiologically linked patients. This investigation demonstrates that multiple subtypes of T. pallidum can be found in an area with high syphilis morbidity, although 1 subtype (14f) was predominant. Four typeable specimens were from blood, a newly identified specimen source for subtyping.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Arizona / epidemiology
  • DNA Polymerase I / genetics
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Female
  • Genitalia / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Odds Ratio
  • Skin Ulcer / microbiology*
  • Specimen Handling
  • Syphilis / blood
  • Syphilis / epidemiology
  • Syphilis / microbiology*
  • Treponema pallidum / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • DNA Polymerase I