Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Novel approach to investigate syphilis pathogenesis, a neglected but devastating infectious disease

3^rd International Congress on Bacteriology and Infectious Diseases

August 04-06, 2015 Valencia, Spain

Nikhat Parveen

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Bacteriol Parasitol

Abstract:

Syphilis is caused by a spirochete, Treponema pallidum and is one of the oldest infectious diseases known to the mankind.
It is estimated that >10 million new cases of syphilis occur every year worldwide with more than 900,000 new cases of
congenital syphilis. In addition neurosyphilis remains a major problem in the developing World. The successful control of
syphilis requires identification of important virulence factors of T. pallidum and knowledge of circulating strains in human
populations. Inability to culture this pathogen in vitro and its genetic intractability has resulted in poor understanding of
syphilis pathogenesis. We have taken advantage of a bioluminescent strain of Borrelia burgdorferi generated in our laboratory
to examine expression and function of an immunogenic T. pallidum lipoprotein. B. burgdorferi causes Lyme disease and is
physiologically and structurally closely related to T. pallidum. In addition, it is feasible to culture and genetically manipulate
B. burgdorferi. Therefore, we considered it ideal to study the location and role of the T. pallidum lipoprotein in pathogenic
mechanisms. We found that the selected T. pallidum lipoprotein is a bifunctional protein which plays a role in adherence to
the host cells when expressed on the bacterial surface. This model heterologous expression system will allow us to reveal the
function of other virulence factors of T. pallidum to better understand syphilis pathogenesis. We expect that we will be able to
identify and characterize critical virulence factors and antigens of T. pallidum to produce a successful vaccine against syphilis
in the future.