Spirochaetaceae

Spirochaetaceae is a family of bacteria in the phylum Spirochaetes, order Spirochaetales. Members are Gram-negative, spiral-shaped, highly motile organisms characterized by axial filaments that run between the outer membrane and the peptidoglycan layer, producing a distinctive corkscrew movement. They are slender and flexible, ranging from several micrometers in length.

Ecology and lifestyle: Spirochaetaceae species inhabit a wide range of environments, including aquatic habitats, sediments, and animal-associated niches. Some are free-living saprophytes; others are commensals or pathogens. Several genera are transmitted by arthropod vectors such as ticks and lice.

Taxonomy and genera: The family includes genera such as Spirochaeta and Treponema, among others. The taxonomy of spirochetes is subject to change with updates in phylogenetic analyses.

Pathogenic members: The group includes medically important pathogens. Treponema pallidum sensu lato, the agent of syphilis and related treponematoses, belongs to this family. Borrelia species, implicated in Lyme disease and relapsing fever, are also members of this lineage within Spirochaetaceae. Not all members are pathogenic; many species are environmental or animal-associated.

Laboratory features: Spirochaetes are typically fastidious and difficult to culture in routine laboratories. They often require specialized media and growth conditions. Genomic data and specialized staining techniques are used for identification.