These are Gram-negative, non-sporing non-acid fast very fine spiral rods. They are 0.1-0.3µm wide and up to 30 µm long. They are generally motile with polar flagellae. The flagellae lie entirely inside the preplasmic space between the inner and outer membranes. Some species cannot be cultivated on artificial media. Some of those, which can grow on artificial media generally requires a highly reduced atmosphere, while others need 1-5% oxygen. Glucose in a serum containing medium is required by some. The genus Treponema is the type genus. The other genus is Borrelia. The GC content of the DNA is 25-54 mol%.

Genera

Treponema: There are currently many species recognized within this genus with T. denticola, T. hyodysenteriae, T. innocens, T. pallidum, T. pectinovorum, T. phagedensis, T. socranskii and T. vuncentii. Many strains can cause human infection. They tend to be associated with the oral, genital or intestinal tracts of humans or animals. On artificial media they are either strict anaerobes or microaerophilic. Some species need serum for growth. A variety of nutritional requirements are necessary for many species. Many form acid from sugars such as glucose, fructose and other carbohydrates. Indole is produced by some species. The GC content of the DNA is 25-54 mol%.

Borrelia:

Species Profiles

Treponema pallidum

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