Termite Gut Spirochetes
John A. Breznak
from: Pathogenic Treponema: Molecular and Cellular Biology (Edited by: Justin D. Radolf and Sheila A. Lukehart). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2006)
Abstract
Spirochetes comprise an unusually abundant component of the hindgut microbiota of termites, accounting for as many as one-half of all prokaryotic cells. However, for many years our understanding of termite gut spirochetes was meager owing, in part, to a lack of pure culture representatives. In recent years this situation has changed dramatically. Cultivation-independent (molecular biological) approaches have shown that termite gut spirochetes constitute a rich diversity of novel species of Treponema. Moreover, studies of the first pure cultures have revealed physiological capabilities (H2/CO2-acetogenesis and dinitrogen fixation) previously unknown in spirochetes which contribute to the nutrition and vitality of their host. This chapter will summarize our current understanding of termite gut treponemes and the extent to which they have already expanded our appreciation of spirochetal phylogenetic and physiological diversity read more ...
