New York Medical College Researchers Identify Novel Strain of Syphilis Bacterium
Designated NYMC01, The New Strain Linked to Painful Oral Lesions Challenges Established Diagnostic Methods
A team of researchers at New York Medical College (NYMC) has identified and characterized a novel strain of Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis. Designated NYMC01, the new strain was associated with a painful oral lesion in primary syphilis—a presentation that challenges long-held clinical teachings that syphilitic chancres are painless.
“Having NYMC's name associated with this new strain in the scientific nomenclature highlights the College’s leadership in advancing infectious disease research and fostering an environment that supports groundbreaking scientific discovery,” says Maria Rosa Velasquez, M.D., FACP, assistant professor of medicine and lead author on the study published in Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Through whole genome sequencing—performed for the first time on a Treponema pallidum strain linked to a painful lesion—the researchers confirmed that NYMC01 demonstrated unique genetic markers. Although prior clinical reports had noted painful and/or multiple syphilitic lesions, the causative strains had never been genetically characterized.
“Discovering a novel genotype that correlated with an atypical clinical presentation was particularly exciting because despite microbial evolution and the ongoing discovery of new subtypes, especially with the increasing use of molecular diagnostic techniques, the degree of genetic divergence and the specific virulence mechanisms in NYMC01 were unexpected and highlighted gaps in current databases and knowledge, reminding us that infectious diseases often challenge established diagnostic frameworks,” said Dr. Velasquez.
Dr. Velasquez expressed optimism that the identification of this new strain would lead clinicians to consider syphilis earlier when evaluating painful oral or genital ulcers. “Early and accurate recognition of syphilis is critical not only for the timely treatment of individual patients but also for preventing further transmission and controlling the broader public health impact. By characterizing NYMC01, we broaden the diagnostic lens for clinicians, ensuring syphilis remains a diagnostic consideration even when presentations deviate from textbook descriptions.”
According to Dr. Velasquez, the research spotlights how meaningful contributions can be accomplished through curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance, even for those without prior laboratory or genomic experience, like herself, helping to bridge clinical practice with public health action. “Scientific discovery is accessible to all who are willing to ask questions and seek new answers,” she says, while also recognizing her mentor Marina Keller, M.D., M.Sc., assistant professor of medicine and of pathology, microbiology, and immunology, “whose unwavering curiosity, clinical insight, and dedication to rigorous investigation inspired and guided this work.”
