MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ORAL FUSOBACTERIA AS REVEALED BY THE ELECTRON MICROSCOPE

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Abstract
Shadowed microdrop films of cultured strains of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Fusobacterium polymorphum were investigated by the use of the electron microscope. It was shown that these organisms are slender rods, either straight or slightly bent and for the most part tapering from the middle of the cell to their extremities in a typical spindle shape. Cell walls were clearly demonstrated in all microorganisms examined. Filamentous appendages were evident on many organisms and varied from fine tufts to flagellum-like structures; however, motility was not demonstrable in any of the strains employed in this study. Definitive evidence of true branching was encountered not infrequently and was most evident in 3 strains of the fusobacteria. After 48 hr. growth, the protoplasm of the microorganisms was found to show evidence of gradual and progressive loss of homogeneity. The dense accumulations of intracellular material which develop undoubtedly correspond to the granules which at the optical level are characteristic of the fusobacteria.