Member of o­ne of the 10 phylogenetic groups of oral treponemes [1,4]. Originally detected in subjects with periodontitis as not-yet-cultivated phylotype (Group IV) termed Treponema sp. IV:17C:GF6 [4].  Closest cultivable relative is Treponema maltophilum, which also falls in Group IV.

Growth o­n OMIZ-Pat-w/oPC agarose [1], are off-white, diffuse (~3 mm), subsurface colonies after 7 days incubation at 37^oC.  Will not grow in chemically defined media, e.g., OMIZ-W1 [1], but requires yeast extract or Neopeptone

Obligately anaerobic, catalase negative, helically coiled with translational motility in broth, especially in media of high viscosity [1].  Will creep o­n solid surfaces, such as agar media or glass.  Cells are Gram-negative,  0.15 um by 5 um, with a 1-2-1 periplasmic flagellar arrangement.

N-acetylglucosamine is required for growth, and D-arabinose, L-fucose or D-ribose enhance growth.  Other carbohydrates do not appear to support growth. Lecithin and 1% fetal calf serum inhibits growth.  Strains are resistant to rifampicin and fosfomycin.

High activities for alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, B-galactosidase, B-glucuronidase, N-acetyl-B-glucosaminidase, phospholipase A, and phospholipase C

Association (e.g. diseased vs control sites) in patients with adult periodontitis and rapidly progressive periodontitis [1,3] and endodontic lesions [2].  Strong activities of phospholipase A and phospholipase C may serve as potential virulence factors [1]