The genus Treponema contains both pathogenic and nonpathogenic species. Human pathogens cause four treponematoses: syphilis (T pallidum subsp pallidum), yaws (T pallidum subsp pertenue), endemic syphilis (T pallidum subsp endemicum), and pinta (T carateum). Nonpathogenic treponemes may be part of the normal flora of the intestinal tract, the oral cavity, or the genital tract. Some of the oral treponemes have been associated with gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Copyright © 1996, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.