Spirochaete
Spirochaete
Spirochaete (pronounced: /ˈspaɪroʊˌkiːt/), also spelled as Spirochete, is a type of bacteria characterized by their unique, spiral-shaped structure. The term "Spirochaete" is derived from the Greek words "speira" meaning coil and "chaite" meaning hair.
Classification
Spirochaetes belong to the phylum Spirochaetes. They are further classified into three families: Spirochaetaceae, Brachyspiraceae, and Leptospiraceae. These families include several genera such as Treponema, Borrelia, and Leptospira.
Characteristics
Spirochaetes are distinguished by their long, slender, and helically coiled cells. They move using axial filaments, also known as endoflagella, which are located in the periplasmic space. This unique mode of locomotion allows them to move in a corkscrew-like manner, enabling them to navigate through viscous environments.
Medical Significance
Spirochaetes are known to cause several diseases in humans. For instance, Treponema pallidum is the causative agent of syphilis, Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease, and Leptospira species cause leptospirosis.
Treatment
Treatment for diseases caused by spirochaetes typically involves antibiotics such as penicillin, doxycycline, or ceftriaxone. The choice of antibiotic depends on the specific disease and the patient's overall health status.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spirochaete
- Wikipedia's article - Spirochaete
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