Spirochaetaceae

Family of bacteria

Spirochaeta americana, a member of the Spirochaetaceae family

The Spirochaetaceae are a family of distinctive bacteria within the order Spirochaetales. These bacteria are characterized by their unique spiral shape and motility, which is facilitated by axial filaments, also known as endoflagella, located between the cell wall and outer membrane. Members of this family are known for their ability to thrive in diverse environments, including aquatic habitats and the gastrointestinal tracts of animals.

Morphology

Spirochaetaceae are Gram-negative bacteria with a helical or spiral shape. The cells are typically long and thin, allowing them to move in a corkscrew motion. This movement is powered by the rotation of the axial filaments, which are similar to flagella but are located within the periplasmic space. This unique structure allows them to move efficiently through viscous environments.

Habitat

Members of the Spirochaetaceae family are found in a variety of environments. They are commonly present in aquatic habitats, including freshwater and marine ecosystems. Some species are free-living, while others are symbiotic or pathogenic, residing in the gastrointestinal tracts of animals, including humans.

Pathogenicity

While many spirochetes are harmless, some are known to cause diseases in humans and animals. Notable pathogenic genera within the Spirochaetaceae family include Treponema and Borrelia, which are responsible for diseases such as syphilis and Lyme disease, respectively. However, the genus Spirochaeta, which includes Spirochaeta americana, is generally not associated with human disease.

Genus Spirochaeta

The genus Spirochaeta is a well-studied group within the Spirochaetaceae family. These bacteria are primarily free-living and are found in anaerobic environments such as mud and sediments. Spirochaeta americana is one of the species within this genus, known for its ability to survive in extreme conditions.

Related pages

• Spirochaetales
• Gram-negative bacteria
• Treponema
• Borrelia
• Lyme disease
• Syphilis