Molecular typing of treponema pallidum clinical strains from Lisbon, Portugal

J Clin Microbiol. 2008 Nov;46(11):3802-3. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00128-08. Epub 2008 Aug 27.

Abstract

A molecular system was used to subtype Portuguese Treponema pallidum clinical strains isolated from both skin lesions and blood. The study with this system constitutes the first typing study in a European country. Three T. pallidum subtypes were found: subtypes 14a (50%), 14d (45.2%), and 14f (4.8%). Further studies are needed to better characterize the isolates involved in syphilis outbreaks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Typing Techniques / methods*
  • Blood / microbiology
  • Cluster Analysis
  • DNA Fingerprinting / methods
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Molecular Epidemiology / methods*
  • Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length*
  • Portugal / epidemiology
  • Skin / microbiology
  • Syphilis / epidemiology
  • Syphilis / microbiology*
  • Treponema pallidum / classification*
  • Treponema pallidum / genetics*
  • Treponema pallidum / isolation & purification