CULTIVATION OF PATHOGENIC TREPONEMA-PALLIDUM INVITRO

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 28  (1) , 7-24
Abstract
T. pallidum was discovered relatively late and was not cultured in vitro. The delineation of T. pallidum biology and the eradication of syphilis suggest the necessity of cultivation in vitro. An attempt was made with an improved medium to cultivate pathogenic T. pallidum Budapest strain in vitro. Only in the 1st passage, evidence of in vitro multiplication of T. pallidum was established by macroscopic observation, darkfield examination, electron microscopic examination, optical densities, tritium labeled thymidine incorporation and the pathogenicity of the cultured organisms was evidenced by rabbit challenge. Explanation of the oxygen utilization of T. pallidum suspension is discussed. Unidentified formations were observed on electron micrographs from the 96 h cultures. They may belong to the multiplication forms of treponemes. Further experiments are needed for their identification and for expansion of the multiplication of T. pallidum beyond the 1st passage.

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