'Viscotaxis', a New Behavioural Response of Leptospira interrogans (biflexa) Strain b16

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Abstract
When in a non-viscous environment and confronted with a viscous one, L. interrogans (L. biflexa) strain B16 preferentially selected the latter. This positive response to a viscosity gradient is designated as viscotaxis. Using an originally designed experimental chamber, a pool of leptospires were faced with capillary tubes containing either polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N''-2-ethanesulphonic acid (HEPES). Leptospires suspended in HEPES responded positively to 2% (wt/vol) PVP in capillaries, and migrated into them in large numbers in 1 h. No response was observed when the chamber and capillary tubes contained solutions of the same viscosity. As the viscosity of PVP was increased, a proportionally larger number of leptospires migrated into it. This newly observed aspect of leptospiral behavior may have ecological significance.

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