SYSTEMATIC DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 



107 



than one species of spirochaete is included under the 

 name of Sp. refringens. Richards and Hunt distin- 

 guished three forms of Sp. refringens, somewhat differing 

 in appearance, and also believed that this organism 

 might be a stage in the development of Sp. pallida (see 

 page 30). 



Sp. refringens was cultivated by Levaditi in human 

 blood in collodion sacs placed in the peritoneal cavities 

 of rabbits. The spirochaetes developed, showing short 

 vibrio-like forms along with long spirochaetes ; different 

 species of bacteria also developed in symbiosis. Inocu- 

 lation of these cultures failed to induce balanoposthitis, 

 and Levaditi does not think the spiro- 

 chaetes are the cause of this disease. 



Sp. refringens was found by Baer- 

 mann in enlarged glands in a monkey 

 infected with syphilis, along with Sp. 

 pallida; it may therefore become a 

 blood parasite, and not be confined 

 to superficial lesions. 



SPIROCH^TA BALANITIDIS. 



(Hoffmann and Prowazek, 1906.) 

 The causal (?) organism of balanitis 

 is believed by Hoffmann and Prowazek 

 to be distinct from Sp. refringens; 

 they describe it as a band-shaped 

 spirochaete (Fig. 84) with six to ten 

 curls, \ to f// broad, and furnished 

 with periplastic appendages and an 

 undulating membrane (the illustration showing the later 

 formation is not convincing) . It exhibits wave-like and 

 rotatory movements. It is stained red by Giemsa's 

 reagent. Scherber states that these spirochaetes can 

 be grown anaerobically on media containing serum; 



FIG. 84. Spiro- 

 chaeta balanitidis. 

 a, Terminal fila- 

 ments and close 

 curls; b, dividing; 

 c, supposed undu- 

 lating membrane. 

 (Hoffmann and 

 Prowazek.) 



