Which spiral or corkscrew-shaped bacteria are subdivided into subgroups that cause syphilis, STDs, or Lyme disease?

Which spiral or corkscrew-shaped bacteria are subdivided into subgroups that cause syphilis, STDs, or Lyme disease?

• A. Spirilla
• B. Diplococci
• C. Bacilli
• D. Streptococci

Answer: (A)

Spiral-shaped bacteria come in spiral forms, including spirilla, which are the rigid, helical type. The diseases mentioned—syphilis and Lyme disease—are caused by spirochetes, slender helical bacteria, so the question points to a spiral shape. Among common terms, spirilla specifically refers to spiral-shaped bacteria, making it the best match for the description. The other options describe different shapes: diplococci are paired spheres, bacilli are rod-shaped, and streptococci are chains of spheres. Thus, spirilla is the correct choice because it denotes the spiral form associated with these disease-causing bacteria.

Spiral-shaped bacteria come in spiral forms, including spirilla, which are the rigid, helical type. The diseases mentioned—syphilis and Lyme disease—are caused by spirochetes, slender helical bacteria, so the question points to a spiral shape. Among common terms, spirilla specifically refers to spiral-shaped bacteria, making it the best match for the description. The other options describe different shapes: diplococci are paired spheres, bacilli are rod-shaped, and streptococci are chains of spheres. Thus, spirilla is the correct choice because it denotes the spiral form associated with these disease-causing bacteria.