Microbe Monday – 5/7/18

Happy Monday, Contract Laboratory readers! It’s time for another microbe Monday. Like always, if you think you know the microbe, leave us a comment!

Today’s microbe:

• • is a zoonotic, vector-borne bacteria
  • belongs to the spirochete class though its shape is a flat wave
  • is a diderm, or double-membrane
  • is 0.3 μm wide and between 5 and 20 μm long
  • is microaerobic
  • is motile with 7-11 flagella at each end
  • can survive without iron
  • if untreated, the bacteria can eventually affect the heart, bones, and nervous system
  • was the third microbial genome ever to be sequenced
  • linear chromosome contains 910,725base pairs and 853 genes
  • genome consists of one megabase chromosome and a variety of circular and linear plasmids

Have a guess what this microbe might be? Leave your guess in the comments below! And remember, if you need microbial analysis or testing, submit your test request by calling 1-855-377-6821 or at https://www.contractlaboratory.com/labclass/forms/outsource_entryform.cfm?requestType=microbial