Isolation and Cytological Study of a Free-living Spirochete

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Abstract
A species of free-living Spirochaeta was obtained from infusions of decaying leaves from an H2S spring. It was isolated in pure culture by serial transfers on leaf agar, and finally blood agar. The spirochete would not grow alone except on medium containing red blood cells. When studied by means of light- and dark-field observation, electron photomicrographs, and a phase microscope it was found that in cell form, size, type of cell inclusion, division and motility is was very similar and probably identical to S. plicatilis. The appearance of the "axial filament" could be demonstrated only with Giemsa''s soln, and is considered to be an artifact.