There are two families, ''[[:Category:Leptospiraceae|Leptospiraceae]]'' and ''[[:Category:Spirochaetaceae|Spirochaetaceae]]''
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''Leptospiraceae'' include the pathogens of the genus ''Leptospira'', whereas ''Spirochaetaceae'' include the pathogens of the genera ''Borrelia'', ''Brachyspira'' and ''Treponema''. Spirochaetes may cause zoonotic infections.
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==Characteristics==
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Spirochaetes are spiral or helical Gram-negative bacteria. They are motile organisms as they have endoflagella. They have lengths between 5 and 250 µm. They are sensitive to dessication and survive poorly in the environment.
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==Diagnosis==
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They stain poorly with Gram stain as most require specialised media for growth. Serology is required for their identification.