Spirochete
Spirochete
Spirochete (pronounced: /ˈspaɪroʊˌkiːt/) is a term used to describe a group of bacteria that have a unique, spiral-shaped form. The term is derived from the Greek words "speira" meaning coil and "chaite" meaning hair.
Description
Spirochetes are distinguished by their long, slender, and helically coiled cells. They are gram-negative bacteria, which means they do not retain the violet stain used in the Gram stain method. Spirochetes are characterized by their unique method of motility, which involves the rotation of axial filaments, or endoflagella, that are located within the periplasmic space.
Classification
Spirochetes belong to the phylum Spirochaetes, which is further divided into three families: Spirochaetaceae, Brachyspiraceae, and Leptospiraceae. These families include several important genera such as Treponema, Borrelia, and Leptospira.
Medical Relevance
Several species of spirochetes are pathogenic to humans and can cause diseases such as syphilis, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. These diseases are typically transmitted through vectors such as ticks (Ixodes) and lice, or through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated water.
Treatment
Treatment for spirochete infections typically involves the use of antibiotics such as penicillin, doxycycline, or ceftriaxone. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spirochete
- Wikipedia's article - Spirochete
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