Treponema pallidum is causative agent of -

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

Explanation

Syphilis is a chronic, systemic sexually transmitted infection.
The causative agent is Treponema pallidum, a distinctive spiral-shaped bacterium (spirochete).
Infection occurs through direct contact with a syphilitic sore (chancre) during sexual activity.
The disease progresses through primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages if not treated.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: Gonorrhea is a different sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, not Treponema pallidum.
Option C: Warts, particularly genital warts, are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is a virus, not a bacterium.
Option D: Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), not a bacterium.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative agent of Syphilis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Identifying the correct pathogen is crucial for effective treatment. Penicillin is the drug of choice for all stages of syphilis.
Syphilis is a reportable disease in many countries, including India. Nurses have a public health responsibility to ensure cases are reported to prevent further spread.
Patient education on safe sex practices, partner notification, and the importance of completing treatment is a key nursing role in managing STIs.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on microbiology knowledge.
First, identify the pathogen named in the question stem: Treponema pallidum.
Recall or deduce the specific disease caused by this microorganism.
Scan the options provided and select the disease that matches the pathogen. In this case, Treponema pallidum is famously known to cause Syphilis.
To confirm, mentally review the causative agents for the other options (Gonorrhea, Warts, Hepatitis B) to ensure they are incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Causative agent of Syphilis
Stem keywords: Treponema pallidum, causative agent
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QcRjM6ptWVHKNtjwRjTiz2

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 2039-2041

E6 Microbiology Essentials Sastry 4e Part 1 p. 85-87

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1469-1471

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.

Attempt this paper Attempt in the NPrep app