Electron Micrograph Studies of Two Strains of Pleuropneumonia-like (L) Organisms of Human Derivation

Abstract

Two strains of pleuropneumonialike (L) organisms from the human genital tract were studied. The rod-shaped cells of L 50 were found to have a cell wall distinguishable from the protoplasm. Strain L 4330, a smaller cell than L 50, did not reveal a cell wall-protoplasmic differentiation. Micrographs illustrate the development of large bodies in the rod-shaped cells. The germination of large bodies yielding a new generation of small round cells was observed and is discussed. Comparisons are drawn with the germination of certain Actinomyces spores. Reproduction by means of large bodies is not the sole means of growth of L organisms. Both the small round cells and the rod-shaped cells are capable of division by simple fission,.