Significance of anaerobic spirochetes in the intestines of animals

Abstract

Anaerobic spirochetes are bacteria possessing axial fibrils and are classified as treponemes when present in the oral cavity, intestinal tract, or genital region of man and animals. Treponemes are significant components of the autochthonous biota of the mouse and possibly other animals. One species, Treponema hyodysenteriae, has been shown to be a definite intestinal pathogen for swine. The pathogenicity of treponemes present in the intestinal tracts of other animals has not been elucidated. The true significance of these organisms in the intestines of animals will only be determined after cultivation procedures have been improved and more spirochetes have been isolated and characterized.