Factors Affecting the Survival of Treponema pallidum in vitro. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1. Preliminary observations on the survival of the virulent Nichols strain of Treponema pallidum in vitro indicate that under a given set of experimental conditions exposure to 5% C0₂ had a definite prolonging effect on survival time. 2. Survival was improved when temperatures below 37°C were used. 3. No indication of multiplication of the organisms has been noted. 4. Further quantitative experiments are in progress in an attempt to clarify the role of C0₂ and to define other physical and chemical factors which may affect this organism's survival in vitro.