The Effects of Alkalinity and Hypertonicity on the Morphology and Motility of Leptospira interrogans (biflexa) strain B16

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Abstract
Effects of alkalinity and hypertonicity on the motile behavior of L. interrogans (L. biflexa) B16 were observed, quantified and compared with effects previously shown by similar factors on the motility of eubacteria. L. interrogans tolerated relatively high OH- concentrations. Motility similar to that in controls was observed at pH values up to 9.8; but at pH 10.0 motility declined sharply with time of exposure, and there was structural alteration, visible as a blebbing of the cell envelope. Unlike the behavior of eubacteria, immobilization of L. interrogans induced by hydroxide ions was not reversed by lowering the pH. By restricting entry of OH-, the cell envelope probably protects its motility apparatus from adverse effects. L. interrogans was completely immobilized in 0.5 M and 1.0 M sucrose solutions. Unlike the eubacteria, leptospires were incapable of spontaneous reversion to motile forms and resumption of motility was dependent on concentration and time of exposure to sucrose. Deuterium oxide did not affect movement, suggesting that even though leptospire endoflagella and the exoflagella of eubacteria are analogous, the motile behavior of L. interrogans is significantly different from that of eubacteria.

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