Which organism causes syphilis?

Which organism causes syphilis?

• A. Borrelia burgdorferi
• B. Staphylococcus aureus
• C. Bacillus subtilis
• D. Treponema pallidum

Answer: (D)

The organism responsible for syphilis is Treponema pallidum. This is a spirochete bacterium—a slender, corkscrew-shaped microbe—and it is the classic etiologic agent identified with syphilis. Its recognition as the cause helps connect the disease to a specific type of bacterium and guides understanding of transmission (primarily sexual contact) and the distinctive clinical stages. Other bacteria listed are linked to different conditions: Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease; Staphylococcus aureus is a common skin and soft-tissue pathogen; Bacillus subtilis is generally nonpathogenic and not associated with syphilis.

The organism responsible for syphilis is Treponema pallidum. This is a spirochete bacterium—a slender, corkscrew-shaped microbe—and it is the classic etiologic agent identified with syphilis. Its recognition as the cause helps connect the disease to a specific type of bacterium and guides understanding of transmission (primarily sexual contact) and the distinctive clinical stages. Other bacteria listed are linked to different conditions: Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease; Staphylococcus aureus is a common skin and soft-tissue pathogen; Bacillus subtilis is generally nonpathogenic and not associated with syphilis.