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Published on: February 4, 2018
A morphological characterization of Borrelia anserina
1National Veterinary Laboratory, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Microbiology (Reading, England)
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Two Borrelia anserina strains, one from the USA and one from Nigeria, showed identical ultrastructure but differed in flagella number. This finding aids in understanding Borrelia anserina morphology and strain variation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Borrelia anserina is a spirochete that causes avian borreliosis.
- Understanding the ultrastructure of different strains is crucial for diagnostics and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the morphology and ultrastructure of two distinct Borrelia anserina strains.
- To identify any structural differences that may correlate with their geographic origin or pathogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was employed for detailed ultrastructural analysis.
- Negatively stained and ultrathin sectioned cells of both strains were examined.
Main Results:
- Both USA and Nigerian Borrelia anserina strains exhibited regular helical morphology.
- Cells measured 9-21 microns in length and 0.22-0.26 microns in width, with a helix wavelength of approximately 1.7 microns.
- A key difference was observed in flagella number: USA strain had seven flagella per end, while the Nigerian strain had eight.
Conclusions:
- The ultrastructure of Borrelia anserina strains is highly conserved.
- The observed difference in flagella number between the USA and Nigerian strains warrants further investigation into its functional and epidemiological significance.
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