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Locomotory characteristics of Treponema denticola
F Pietrantonio1, P B Noble, R Amsel
1Department of Oral Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Qué., Canada.
Abstract:
Locomotion of pathogenic spirochetes has been suggested as a virulence factor in their pathogenesis. Little is known of the locomotory characteristics of oral anaerobic spirochetes. We have determined the optimal conditions for motility of seven strains of Treponema denticola in menstrua of different viscosities. The viscosity for optimum motility for all strains was found to be 9.57 centipoises at 25 degrees C. Under these conditions the average speeds for each strain was computed from the motility tracks as recorded by timed exposures under dark-field microscopy. Differences in speeds were found between the various strains. In addition, we have determined the "persistence" (direct distance/actual pathlength travelled) of cell movement of each strain. Interstrain differences were also noted. These locomotory characteristics contribute to the locomotory phenotypes of the various strains and therefore may aid in their characterization and provide an insight into locomotion as a virulence factor in periodontitis.
Insights
Oral spirochete motility, specifically Treponema denticola, was studied under varying viscosities. Optimal conditions revealed strain-specific speeds and movement persistence, offering insights into virulence in periodontitis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Biology
Background:
- Pathogenic spirochete locomotion is a suspected virulence factor.
- Limited data exists on oral anaerobic spirochete motility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine optimal motility conditions for oral spirochetes.
- To characterize the locomotory phenotypes of Treponema denticola strains.
Main Methods:
- Tested motility of seven Treponema denticola strains across different viscosities.
- Measured average speeds and movement persistence using dark-field microscopy.
- Identified optimal viscosity at 9.57 centipoises at 25°C.
Main Results:
- All tested strains exhibited optimal motility at 9.57 centipoises and 25°C.
- Significant interstrain differences were observed in average cell speed.
- Variations in cell movement persistence were also noted between strains.
Conclusions:
- Locomotory characteristics vary significantly among Treponema denticola strains.
- These distinct locomotory phenotypes may aid in strain characterization.
- Understanding motility offers insights into spirochete virulence in periodontitis.