What environmental factor is particularly harmful to the survival of spirochetes?

Spirochetes are a group of bacteria characterized by their unique spiral shape and motility. One of the most significant environmental factors that impacts their survival is drying. These bacteria have a relatively fragile structure, which makes them susceptible to desiccation. When exposed to dry conditions, spirochetes lose moisture rapidly and cannot maintain their cellular integrity, leading to cell death.

In contrast, cold temperatures can slow down the metabolic processes of many microorganisms, including spirochetes, but do not necessarily lead to their death. High humidity generally supports the survival and proliferation of spirochetes, as moisture is essential for their growth and metabolic activities. Acidic soils can affect bacterial populations as well, but spirochetes are not specifically harmed by acid in the same way they are by drying. Thus, drying emerges as the most critical environmental threat to their survival.