Abstract
The formation of quasi-multicellular bodies of Treponema denticola was analysed using different electron microscopical methods. These bacteria could develop four different conformations: (i) normal helical forms; (ii) twisted spirochetes, forming plaits; (iii) twisted spirochetes, forming club-like structures; (iv) spherical bodies in different size. Treponemes within spherical bodies, plaits, and clubs proved to be enclosed in a common outer sheath in which the normal arrangement of their axial flagella was lost. The development of the quasi-multicellular bodies starting from the monoforme spirochetes was elucidated and this morphogenetic process is illustrated by a schematic drawing. Factors which might be involved in the induction of the structures are discussed and their possible pathogenetic importance is considered.
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Wolf, V., Lange, R. & Wecke, J. Development of quasi-multicellular bodies of Treponema denticola . Arch. Microbiol. 160, 206–213 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00249126
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00249126