Pinta
Overview
Pinta is a human skin disease endemic to Mexico, Central America, and South America. It is caused by infection with a spirochete, Treponema pallidum carateum, which is morphologically and serologically indistinguishable from the organism that causes syphilis
Causes
T carateum is the causative agent and is considered to be a separate species from Treponema pallidum. T carateum can be grown only in primates, and less is known about this treponeme than any of the others.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually clinical, but as with yaws and bejel, serological tests for syphilis such as RPR and TPHA will be positive, and the spirochaetes can be seen on dark field microscopy of samples taken from the early papules
Treatment
The disease can be treated with penicillin, tetracycline, or chloramphenicol, and can be prevented through contact tracing by public health officials.