How Do You Spell BACILLUS DIPHTHERIAE?

1. Bacillus diphtheriae is a species of bacteria primarily responsible for causing the infectious disease known as diphtheria in humans. This bacterium is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped microorganism that forms in chains or pairs. It is an aerobic organism, meaning it requires oxygen to survive and grow. Bacillus diphtheriae is motile, possessing flagella that aid in its movement.

   Diphtheria, the illness caused by this bacterium, primarily affects the upper respiratory system including the throat and nose. In severe cases, it can spread to other parts of the body. It reproduces by releasing a harmful toxin called diphtheria toxin, which can lead to the formation of a thick, grayish-white membrane in the throat, obstructing the airway and causing difficulty in breathing. This disease is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected individual.

   The prevention of diphtheria is facilitated through vaccination. The diphtheria toxoid is included in the combination vaccine known as DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), which provides immunity against all three diseases. Additionally, antibiotic treatment with agents like penicillin or erythromycin is necessary to eradicate the bacteria from the body, prevent the spread of the disease, and manage complications.

   It is important to promptly detect and treat infections caused by Bacillus diphtheriae to prevent the potentially life-threatening consequences associated with diphtheria.

2. Klebs-Loeffler b., discovered by Klebs in 1883 and isolated and cultivated by Loeffler in 1884; the specific cause of diphtheria.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for BACILLUS DIPHTHERIAE

The word Bacillus diphtheriae has its etymology in the field of microbiology and the scientific naming system known as binomial nomenclature.

1. Bacillus: The term bacillus originates from the Latin word bacillum, which means a small staff or rod. It refers to the shape of bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus, which are rod-shaped microorganisms.

2. Diphtheriae: The term diphtheriae is derived from the Greek word diphthera, which means leather. It is named so because the bacteria Bacillus diphtheriae is known to cause the disease diphtheria, which is characterized by the formation of a tough, adherent, and leathery membrane in the respiratory tract.

Therefore, Bacillus diphtheriae can be translated as the rod-shaped bacterium that causes diphtheria.