The electron microscopy of bacteriophage-like particles in dental plaque.

The morphology of bacteriophage-like particles contained in samples of dental plaque is described. The phage-like particles were observed within fusiform-shaped bacteria and in clumps between bacteria. The particles were hexagonal in cross section, approximately 1,100 nm in diameter and contained an electron-dense core. In areas of cell lysis tail forms were observed both free and in association with the particles. Occasional particles were attached to bacterial cell walls by means of shortened tailpieces.