When it comes to a potential spirochetes bacteria infection, many things need to be taken into consideration before classifying it as such. Spirochaetes, also known as spirochete disease, belong to the Gram-negative bacteria family, which are comprised of long, helically coiled cells. Spirochetes are considered chemoheterotropic in nature, forming lengths between 5 and 250 Âµm, with a diameter of around 0.1-0.6 Âµm. The location of their flagella is how spirochetes are distinguished. These flagella, also known as axial filaments, run lengthwise between the cell wall and the cell’s outer membrane. These axial filaments cause a twisting motion within the cell, allowing the spirochete to move about from place to place. Spirochete reproduce asexually, by means of a transverse binary fission.

The majority of spirochete disease are anaerobic and free-living, however there are numerous exceptions that are known. Spirochetes are related to rat bite fever in the aspect that the bacteria that causes rat bite fever is classified as a spirochete, as it is also a gram-negative bacteria with long, helically coiled cells. Rat-bite fever is an acute, febrile human illness, caused by bacteria that is transmitted by rodents, usually rats, which is passed from rodents to humans by means of the rodent’s urine or mucous secretions. Rat-fever is most commonly found in Asia, and in Japan where is also referred to as Sodoku.

Symptoms of the disease do not tend to show themselves until a good two to four weeks into the infection process, and the wound in which the bacteria entered will exhibit a slow healing process, along with inflammation. Sometimes the fever may be recurring, even for months in some cases. Individuals infected tend to also experience rectum pain, along with gastrointenstinal symptoms. Penicillin is the most common form of current treatment. The most common means of coming into contact with a spirochete infection is by changing out mouse traps. Be very careful when changing mouse traps, and if it calls for it, wear gloves to avoid coming into contact with a possible spirochete infection. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Also, always be certain to wash you hands after handling mouse traps.

All known spirochetes are divided up between three different families, and are placed in a single order, known as spirochaetales. The three families that spirochetes are classified into are known as Brachyspiraceae, Leptospiraceae, and Spirochaetaceae. Brachyspiraceae is a spirochetosis of the appendix, caused by Brachyspira aalborgi, which can present itself as acute appendicitis. One particular study showed spirochetosis in 0.7 percent of all known appendicies removed due to clinical acute appendicitis. Leptospiraceae includes the genus Leptospira. Spirochaetaceae is most notable for the genus that causes such sicknesses as Lyme disease and relapsing fever.

In conclusion, spirochetes are bacteria comprised of helically coiled cells with flagella which allow them to move and relocate. Spirochetes are classified within three different families, which include Brachyspiraceae, Leptospiraceae, and Spirochaetaceae. Always consult a physician in regards to a possible spirochetes bacteria infection.