[The pathogenesis of early syphilis with concomitant chlamydiosis]

Abstract

Migration of Treponema pallidum through the basal membrane to upper layers of the epidermis and destruction of the intercellular junctions (desmosomes) were revealed with the help of electron microscopy of syphilitic chancres. Active phagocytosis of the treponemas by the intraepidermal macrophages (Langerhans cells) and by epidermocytes was shown. Necrosis and apoptosis of the immune cells, basophilic leukocytes degranulation and formation of the cellular symplasts with 3 to 5 lymphocytes were observed more frequently in the case of concomitant Chlamydia trachomatis infection. More vigorous response of the cells of derma on T. pallidum was characteristic of mixed infection (syphilis + chlamydiosis), but elimination of treponemas was not complete.