Leptospira

SEM micrograph of L. interrogans

Leptospira is a genus of bacteria. Are Gram-negative, very thin ( about 0.1 microns in diameter ) in the center section helically wound bacteria. The length of which varies with the number of turns and is between 3 and 30 microns. The ends are hook-shaped or button-like thickening, which leptospires resemble a hanger or walking stick.

Leptospires are actively mobile. The movement is indicated by rotation about the body axis, leading to the helical forward and backward movements. Their cultivation and cultivation is a problem, but requires special culture media. The study of living leptospires occurs mainly by dark field microscopy.

Species

Currently, one distinguishes 17 types, which are divided into serogroups and serovars on. L. interrogans is the most important pathogenic agents and causative agent of leptospirosis. L. biflexa, L. meyeri, and L. wolbachii are non-pathogenic.

• L. alexanderi Brenner et al. 1999
• L. biflexa ( Wolbach & Binger 1914) Noguchi 1918
• L. borgpetersenii Yasuda et al. 1987
• L. broomii Levett et al. 2006
• L. fainei Pérolat et al. 1998
• L. inadai Yasuda et al. 1987
• L. interrogans ( Stimson 1907) Wenyon 1926
• L. kirschneri Ramadass et al. 1992
• L. meyeri Yasuda et al. 1987
• L. noguchii Yasuda et al. 1987
• L. santarosai Yasuda et al. 1987
• L. weilii Yasuda et al. 1987