For as long as I’ve been involved in filamentous bacteria type identification there have been multiple opinions of filaments that contain bead-shaped cells which resemble a pearl necklace. Literature on this topic recognizes these as Nostocoida limicola filament types or even as separate proposed morphotype categories. A quick google search reveals that the resulting theories proposed reinforced the idea of including this topic in this series.
Dr. Michael Richard believed these filaments are either dead, or in the process of dying, in which their cells go through changes before death. Based on my personal experience, I am of the same belief.
