Spirochaetota

Spirochaetota is a phylum of distinctive bacteria characterized by their long, helically coiled cells. The phylum was formerly known as Spirochaetes. Spirochaetota are notable for their unique mechanism of locomotion, which relies on the rotation of the entire cell body, a feature that distinguishes them from other bacteria.

Characteristics

Spirochaetota are Gram-negative, aerobic or anaerobic, and can be either free-living or parasitic. They are typically 0.1 to 0.5 µm in width and 5 to 250 µm in length. The cells are flexible and move in a characteristic corkscrew motion. This movement is made possible by the presence of flagella that run the length of the cell, located within the periplasmic space.

Classification

The phylum Spirochaetota is divided into three orders: Spirochaetales, Brevinematales, and Leptospirales. These orders are further divided into families and genera. Some of the most well-known genera include Treponema, Borrelia, and Leptospira, which are responsible for diseases such as syphilis, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis, respectively.

Ecology and Pathogenesis

Spirochaetota are found in a wide range of habitats, including aquatic environments, soil, and the intestines of animals. Some species are pathogenic, causing diseases in humans and other animals. For example, Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease, and Treponema pallidum causes syphilis. Other species, such as those in the genus Leptospira, can cause serious diseases in animals.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment of diseases caused by Spirochaetota typically involves the use of antibiotics. Prevention strategies include vaccination (where available), use of insect repellents to prevent tick bites (in the case of Lyme disease), and safe sex practices (to prevent syphilis).

File:Spirochaetota.jpg

A microscopic image of Spirochaetota bacteria.

See Also

• Bacteria
• Microbiology
• Infectious disease