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Capnocytophaga: New genus of Gram-negative gliding bacteria. II. Morphology and ultrastructure

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Abstract

Gram-negative, anaerobic gliding bacteria were isolated from normal supragingival plaque and from periodontal lesions. Isolates could be divided into two size classes: small 2.4–4.2 μm×0.38–0.5 μm and large 4.8–5.8 μm×0.42–0.6 μm cells. The outer membrane was either loose-fitting and wavy, or taut, and of variable thickness. An electron-dense fuzz was discernible on several of the isolates. The periplasmic region was of variable electron-density. The genus Capnocytophaga has been proposed for these organisms based on morphological and cultural characteristics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 01003, Amherst

    Stanley C. Holt

  2. Biology, Amherst College, 01002, Amherst, USA

    E. R. Leadbetter

  3. Forsyth Dental Center, 02115, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    S. S. Socransky

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  1. Stanley C. Holt
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  2. E. R. Leadbetter
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  3. S. S. Socransky
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Holt, S.C., Leadbetter, E.R. & Socransky, S.S. Capnocytophaga: New genus of Gram-negative gliding bacteria. II. Morphology and ultrastructure. Arch. Microbiol. 122, 17–27 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00408041

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