There are ways to keep syphilis growing in the lab

Scientists have found a way to keep a sample of Treponema pallidum bacteria alive and contagious for more than eight months.

For more than a century, scientists have tried to develop Treponema pallidum, a spiral bacterium that causes syphilis. But this stubborn twisted bacterium does not develop anywhere other than a human body or rabbit for more than 18 days. This time is not enough for researchers to study it.

Microbiologist Steven Norris, of the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, said: 'I almost spent my entire career watching these creatures die.' Until now. Norris and colleagues created a new formula that kept the bacteria alive for months, they reported on mBio on June 26.

Spiral bacteria cause syphilis.

Norris said: 'We know very little about this creature.' Being able to study it for a long time on a plate can provide better treatments for millions of people infected with syphilis around the world and pave the way for the development of vaccines to prevent transmission of infections. this sex.

The first component, the rabbit epithelial cell, was adapted from a 1981 method that successfully developed bacteria for two weeks. But it needs a secret solution, an intermediate that stimulates bacteria to grow in rabbit cells.

First, the team tried the 'kitchen sink method' , experimenting 10-20 mixes of nutrients and additives. But no luck.

Later, the inspiration from Lyme disease bacteria was successful. Although Borrelia burgdorferi and T. pallidum have different behaviors and cause different diseases, these two bacteria have the same spiral structure. Perhaps they will grow in the same environment. This mindset has yielded results. According to Norris, CMRL 1066, a solution of sugar and vitamins that Lyme twists love, helped to keep T. pallidum alive for nearly eight months.

Every week, he was excited to turn the bacteria that were proliferating into freshly prepared solutions.'We are still surprised to see these creatures continue to grow'.