Spirochaete facts for kids

Leptospira bacteria look like tiny spirals under a powerful microscope.

This picture shows what a spirochaete cell looks like if you cut it in half.

Spirochaetes (say "spy-ro-keets") are a special group of bacteria. They are known for their unique spiral or corkscrew shape. These tiny living things have a double outer layer, like a protective shield, and are very long and thin.

Spirochaetes are a type of bacteria, which are single-celled organisms. They have special "tails" called flagella that are hidden between their inner and outer cell walls. These flagella help the spirochaete twist and turn, allowing it to move around.

Most spirochaetes live freely in nature and do not need oxygen to survive. These are called anaerobic bacteria. However, some spirochaetes are parasitic, meaning they live inside other living things, like plants or animals, and can sometimes cause diseases.

What Makes Spirochaetes Special?

Spirochaetes are unique because of their spiral shape and how they move. Imagine a tiny corkscrew spinning its way through water! This movement helps them get around in different environments, including inside living bodies.

How Do They Move?

The flagella of spirochaetes are different from those of most other bacteria. Instead of sticking out, they are wrapped around the spirochaete's body, inside its outer membrane. When these flagella spin, they make the whole spirochaete body twist. This twisting motion pushes them forward, like a drill boring into something.

Where Do They Live?

Spirochaetes can be found in many places. Some live in water or soil, enjoying a free life. Others are more adventurous and live inside other organisms. When they live inside another organism, they are called parasites. Some parasitic spirochaetes can cause health problems for their hosts, including humans.

Types of Spirochaetes and What They Cause

Scientists group spirochaetes into different families. All spirochaetes belong to a single main group called the Spirochaetales. Some spirochaetes are well-known because they can cause diseases in people and animals.

Spirochaetes That Can Make You Sick

Here are a few examples of spirochaetes that are known to cause diseases:

• Leptospira: Certain types of Leptospira bacteria can cause a disease called leptospirosis. This illness can affect humans and animals, often spreading through water or soil contaminated with animal urine.
• Borrelia: Some Borrelia species are famous for causing Lyme disease. This disease is often spread by tick bites. Another type, Borrelia recurrentis, causes a different illness called relapsing fever.
• Brachyspira: Brachyspira species can cause problems in the intestines, leading to a condition called intestinal spirochaetosis. This usually affects animals, but can sometimes be found in humans.