Brachyspiraceae

Brachyspiraceae is a family of bacteria that belongs to the order Spirochaetales. This family is composed of Gram-negative bacteria that are characterized by their spiral shape and unique mode of motility. The family Brachyspiraceae includes the genera Brachyspira and Serpulina.

Characteristics

Members of the Brachyspiraceae family are Gram-negative, anaerobic, and spirochete in shape. They are known for their unique mode of motility, which involves the rotation of the entire cell body in a corkscrew-like manner. This allows them to move in a viscous environment, such as mucus or tissue.

Genera

The family Brachyspiraceae includes two genera:

• Brachyspira - This genus includes species that are pathogenic to pigs and poultry, causing diseases such as swine dysentery and avian intestinal spirochetosis. Some species are also found in humans and can cause intestinal disorders.

• Serpulina - This genus is closely related to Brachyspira and includes species that are pathogenic to pigs.

Pathogenicity

Several species within the Brachyspiraceae family are known to cause disease in animals. For example, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae is the causative agent of swine dysentery, a severe diarrheal disease in pigs. Brachyspira pilosicoli and Brachyspira aalborgi are associated with avian intestinal spirochetosis, a disease that affects the intestines of poultry.

Treatment and Control

Treatment of diseases caused by Brachyspiraceae involves the use of antibiotics, such as tetracycline and macrolides. Control measures include good hygiene practices and the use of vaccines where available.

See Also

• Spirochaetales
• Gram-negative bacteria
• Anaerobic bacteria