Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology Bacterial Survey Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology Vol 1 – Gram negatives Vol 2 – Gram positives Vol 3 – Cyano’s, Archaebacteria, & other G –’s Vol 4 - Actinomycetes

Vol 1 distinguishes 11 groups of Gram negatives based on: Morphology Motility Mechanism of motility O2 relationship +/- cell wall Parasitic requirement

1) Spirochetes – includes many species + 3 important pathogens Helical w/ axial filament Ubiquitous in nature Pathogens include: Treponema Borrelia Leptospira Many symbionts – form mutualistic associations Hindguts of termites Digestive tracts of mollusks Oral cavities of animals

Spirochetes: a) Treponema Primary stage Rich history Treponematosis – venereal and non-venereal forms Syphilis Bejel, Yaws Syphilis either progresses through a series of stages to debilitation/death or terminates (self-limited) Transmission via: Sexual contact Casual contact Congenital contact Secondary stage Tertiary stage

Syphilis: Occurrence, tests and treatment ~50,00 cases/yr (CDC) Tests: 1º stage – microscopic exam 2º stage –serological (VDRL.RPR) ELISA using VDRL antigen specific for IgG/IgM Treatment: Benzathine penicillin Doxycycline/tetracycline Azithromycin

Spirochetes: b) Borrelia Primary stage Zoonosis – white-tailed deer and deer mouse reservoir Tick vector 1º stage – bulls eye rash & flu-like symptoms 2º stage – arthritis persistent fatigue vector Secondary stage

Lyme disease: Occurrence, tests and treatment ~10,000 cases/yr (CDC) ELISA test Tetracycline, Azithromycin, chloramphenicol Prevention centered on insect vector Check skin periodically DEET

Tick removal

Spirochetes: c) Leptospira Occupational disease of workers in contact with animal urine Poor sanitary conditions Outdoor enthusiasts Exposure through cuts, mucous membrane, ingestion Two phases of symptoms Initially, Flu-like Later involvement of liver/kidneys