A Study of Leptotrichia buccalis. II. Biochemical and Physiological Observations

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Abstract
The proof that pleomorphism is exhibited by the oral filamentous microorganism, Leptotrichla buccalls, with a full description of the various forms is reported. Bulbous swellings appear in different areas of the filament, sometimes at the ends, and other times concentric or eccentric. Twisted rope-like forms also appear as well as granular forms and some short pseudo-branches without septation. Aerobic tests indicate that L. buccalis is either an anaerobe or a microaerophilic species, and does not qualify as a facultative form because of its inability to grow under strict aerobic conditions through more than two transfers. The biochemical and physiological activities of L. buccalis are compared with another facultative species, Bacterionema matruchotii. The salient differences between these two forms are discussed. Comparison is made of their reaction to the benzidine test and how this test is related to the lactobacilli classification. Finally, a proposal is made for the classification of L. buccalis under Lactobacillaceae and B. matruchotii under Actinomycetaceae.

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