Introduction to the Spirochetes

The order Spirochaetales consists of helically shaped bacteria with a distinguishing anatomy and locomotion. Although these bacteria are morphologically similar, their physiology and habitats are heterogeneous. The order Spirochaetales contains obligate anaerobes, facultative anaerobes, and obligate aerobes. Substrate requirements range from fatty acids to amino acids. Habitats are extremely diverse, and range from mud to the convoluted tubules of the mammalian kidney.