In vitroIsolation ofTreponema pallidumsubsp.pallidumfrom Fresh and Frozen Needle Aspirates of Primary Experimental Syphilis Lesions

ABSTRACTIsolation ofTreponema pallidumsubsp.pallidumstrains still relies on rabbit intratesticular inoculation of clinical samples. Here, we report an alternative isolation approach based on the inoculation of fresh and frozen needle aspirates of primary experimental lesions into culture plates suitable forin vitropropagation of the syphilis agent.SUMMARYWe report on a rabbit-freein vitroisolation approach for syphilis strains that can be easily adapted to clinical specimens.