It is implicated as a pathogen in chronic periodontitis, which can induce bone loss.

[1] It was first described and characterized as Wolinella recta in 1981 after the bacterium was isolated from human patients with gingivitis, periodontitis, and periodontosis.

[3] C. rectus is gram negative, rod-shaped, and anaerobic, although growth in 5% oxygen is possible for some strains.

[2] It can use hydrogen and formate for energy, but does not metabolize carbohydrates, and can reduce nitrite.

[4][5] C. rectus moves using a single flagellum on one pole, and some strains can form biofilms without the loss of motiliy.