Multiple Alleles ofTreponema pallidumRepeat Gene D inTreponema pallidumIsolates

Abstract
Two newtprDalleles have been identified inTreponema pallidum:tprD2is found in 7 of 12T. pallidumsubsp.pallidumisolates and 7 of 8 non-pallidumisolates, andtprD3is found in oneT. pallidumsubsp.pertenueisolate. Antibodies against TprD2 are found in persons with syphilis, demonstrating thattprD2is expressed during infection.