Interaction between Borrelia vincetii and an oral diphtheroid.

Borrelia vincentii is usually considered to be present in small numbers as a part of the indigenous flora of the human mouth. When associated with the mixed flora of Vincent's infection or other inflammatory processes, however, its numbers are markedly increased. It has been noted in these laboratories also, that when pure cultures were contaminated with facultative or anaerobic organisms, the spirochetes occasionally grew more rapidly and produced larger cell crops. Since it was obvious that the enhancement of spirochetal growth in the artificial environment was due to the activity of the contaminating organism, it is a logical assumption that a similar situation occurs in the natural environment. Therefore, a variety of more common oral bacteria were screened for spirochete stimulating properties, and upon finding an active organism, the identification of those products most probably used by the spirochete was undertaken.