PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Norgard, MV AU - Miller, JN TI - Plasmid DNA in Treponema pallidum (Nichols): potential for antibiotic resistance by syphilis bacteria AID - 10.1126/science.6264606 DP - 1981 Jul 31 TA - Science PG - 553--555 VI - 213 IP - 4507 4099 - http://science.sciencemag.org/content/213/4507/553.short 4100 - http://science.sciencemag.org/content/213/4507/553.full SO - Science1981 Jul 31; 213 AB - A plasmid DNA structure (approximate molecular weight = 7.5 X 10(6)) was identified in the human pathogen Treponema pallidum (Nichols). The inability to isolate this plasmid from rabbit host tissue and the total lack of DNA homology of the plasmid with rabbit DNA has confirmed its Treponema pallidum origin. The observation documents a newly recognized and potentially significant genetic capability for Treponema pallidum.