The morphology of the genusLeptospiraas shown by the electron microscope

Abstract

Several species ofLeptospirahave been studied by means of the electron microscope. Their morphology is described. TheLeptospiraconsists in a long homogeneous cylinder of protoplasm, enveloped in a very thin anistic membrane and wrapped around a slender axistyle. Vibratile structures and granules generally are lacking.The appearance of Leptospiras differs according to different methods of fixation used and according todifferent physical or chemical treatmentsto which they are subjected.