Fluorescent-microscopic Studies on the Morphology of Oral Spirochetes in Monkey

Abstract

The morphology of oral spirochetes in monkey was studied by the author fluorescent-microscopically, and the following results were obtained. 1. Spirochetes were recongnized in every mouth of 132 examined monkeys. 2. Macro Borrelia type spirochetes had extra large spiral and Micro-Borrelia type spirochetes had comparatively large spiral, however, the number of spirals were scarce. The length and width of spirochetes were intermediate. 3. Treponema type spirochetes possessed intermediate width, and had short and small spiral, however, the number of spirals were scarce. 4. Leptospira type spirochetes were thin, long and had smooth spiral. The number of spirals were numerous. 5. Micro-Borrelia type spirochetes were shortest and thinest, comparad with oral spirochetes in human and canine, and each spiral was also smallest among them. 6. Treponema type spirochetes were thin, short and intermediate type between human and canine oral spirochetes, and each spiral was smallest among them. 7. Leptospira type spirochetes showed thicker and shorter body and smaller spiral than human and canine oral spirochetes, but longer and thicker body than Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae. 8. The morphology and movement of monkey's oral spirochetes were influenced by various drugs including antibiotics and arsenic compounds.