The occurrence of treponemes and their spherical bodies on polytetrafluoroethylene membranes

Abstract

The occurrence of small (diameter 0.125 micrometers) and large (diameter 0.27 micrometers) treponemal species on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes were demonstrated in vivo. In the apical part of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane only the smaller treponemes were colonizing, while in other parts a mixed population of different bacterial species including large treponemes was seen. Only the smaller treponemes were able to form spherical bodies in the occlusive part of the membrane. All morphological characteristics of spherical bodies such as common outer sheath, randomly distributed axial flagella, sheathless protoplasmic cylinders and central bodies could be differentiated. Possible causes for the formation of spherical bodies are discussed.

Treponema brennaborense sp. nov., a novel spirochaete isolated from a dairy cow suffering from digital dermatitis

“…2b). These forms were primarily found in older cultures of DD isolates (Walker et al, 1995) and other treponeme species (Walker et al, 1995;Wecke et al, 1995;Wolf et al, 1993;Wolf & Wecke, 1994). However, the mechanisms leading to circular forms and their possible biological role are still unknown.…”

A novel technique for monitoring the development of bacterial biofilms in human periodontal pockets

“…From a previous study, it was known that extended polytetrafluoroethylene (e‐PTFE) membranes used to cover superficial defects after surgery were colonized by plaque bacteria [11]. Therefore a further aim of this study was to compare bacterial colonization on PTFE membranes with those on different materials to get an optimized carrier for plaque bacteria.…”

A novel technique for monitoring the development of bacterial biofilms in human periodontal pockets

“…All the other treatments for transmission or scanning electron microscopy were done as previously described [11]. For FISH, four carriers were ¢xed with 3.7% (v/v) formaldehyde in phosphate-bu¡ered saline (pH 7.4) for at least 3 h. Embedding in cold polymerizing resin Technovit 8100 (Kulzer, Wehrheim, Germany) and sectioning of the specimens were performed as described earlier for tissue biopsies [9].…”

“…From a previous study, it was known that extended polytetra£uoroethylene (e-PTFE) membranes used to cover super¢cial defects after surgery were colonized by pla-que bacteria [11]. Therefore a further aim of this study was to compare bacterial colonization on PTFE membranes with those on di¡erent materials to get an optimized carrier for plaque bacteria.…”