Redseal Hairstyling License Practice Test

Which bacterial form is responsible for Lyme disease and syphilis?

1. Streptococci

2. Diplococci

3. Spirilla

4. Cocci

The correct answer is: Spirilla

The correct answer is based on the understanding of bacterial morphology and the specific types of bacteria associated with Lyme disease and syphilis. Spirilla are long, spiral-shaped bacteria that are known to cause specific infections, including Lyme disease, which is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete belonging to the spirilla category. Additionally, Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, also falls under the category of spirochetes, which are a subset of spirilla. Both these bacteria share the characteristic helical shape that defines spirilla, making this bacterial form uniquely responsible for these diseases. Thus, the distinction in shape and structure plays a crucial role in identifying the bacteria responsible for these particular infections. Understanding the specific shapes and classifications of bacteria helps clarify the relationship between bacterial morphology and the diseases they may cause.