Spirillum

Spirillum is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria in the family Spirillaceae. The name Spirillum is derived from the Latin word for "little coil," reflecting the bacteria's characteristic spiral shape.

Characteristics

Spirillum bacteria are known for their distinctive spiral shape, which is often compared to a corkscrew. They are Gram-negative bacteria, meaning they do not retain the violet crystal violet stain used in the Gram stain procedure. Instead, they take up the red counterstain.

Spirillum bacteria are flagellated, which means they have whip-like appendages called flagella that they use for movement. They are also aerobic bacteria, meaning they require oxygen to survive.

Habitat

Spirillum bacteria are commonly found in freshwater environments, such as ponds and streams. They can also be found in the soil.

Pathogenicity

Some species of Spirillum are pathogenic, meaning they can cause disease. For example, Spirillum minus is known to cause rat-bite fever, a rare infection that can occur after a bite or scratch from a rodent.

See also

• Gram-negative bacteria
• Flagellum
• Aerobic organism

References

Spirillum Resources
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