FORMATION OF MULTIPLE TREPONEMES

The formation of pseudomulticellular treponemes was analyzed using dif ferent electron microscopical methods such as thin sectioning, freeze fracturing and scanning electron microscopy. The development of spheri cal bodies is preceded by the formation of unseparated helical forms a nd plait-like structures. During this process, the bacteria lose their individual outer sheath as well as their axial flagella and produce a common outer envelope. The possible pathogenetic importance of such m ultiple structures is discussed.