Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Procedures for In Vitro Cultivation of Treponema pallidum, the Syphilis Spirochete
Published on: January 24, 2025
NOTES ON THE CULTIVATION OF TREPONEMA PALLIDUM
H Zinsser1, J G Hopkins, R Gilbert
1Department of Bacteriology of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York.
Abstract:
We consider themost importantcontribution reported in this paper the fact that Treponema pallidum can be cultivated in fluid media, without the addition of agar, together with tissues sterilized by heat. This forms an excellent method of obtaining mass cultures for luetin preparation and immunological experimentation. We may add that while the tissue varieties employed have all stongly favored the growth of the treponemata, we have noticed especially active and motile cultures when lung and suprarenal tissues were employed.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes
Need for Obtaining Pure Cultures
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...

