![Scanning electron micrograph of the spirochete <i>Treponema pallidum</i> attached to testicular &elipsis; [Credit: ASM/Science Source]](http://images.bookrags.com/images/eb/9299.gif)
Scanning electron micrograph of the spirochete Treponema pallidum attached to testicular &elipsis; [Credit: ASM/Science Source]Any of an order (Spirochaetales) of spiral-shaped
bacteria. Some are serious pathogens for humans, causing such diseases as
syphilis,
yaws, and
relapsing fever.
Spirochetes are gram-negative (&see; gram stain) and motile. They are unique in that their flagella, which number between two and more than 200 per organism, are contained within the cell. Most spirochetes are found in a liquid environment (e.g., mud and water, blood and lymph). Several species are borne by lice and ticks, which transmit them to humans.
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