STAPHYLOCOCCAL BACTERIOPHAGE Meaning and
Definition
-
A staphylococcal bacteriophage is a type of virus that specifically targets and infects bacteria of the Staphylococcus genus. As a bacteriophage, it is composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed within a protein coat. Staphylococcal bacteriophages play a significant role in regulating populations of Staphylococcus bacteria and have been extensively studied for their potential in medical applications.
When a staphylococcal bacteriophage comes into contact with a susceptible host bacterium, it attaches to the bacterial surface using specific receptors. The viral genetic material then enters the bacterial cell, taking over the host machinery to replicate itself. This replication process ultimately leads to the production of more phages within the host, which subsequently causes the bacterial cell to burst and release the newly formed bacteriophages. The released phages can now infect and destroy other bacteria, continuing the cycle.
Staphylococcal bacteriophages have shown promise in various medical applications, particularly as potential therapeutic agents against Staphylococcus infections. They can selectively target and kill Staphylococcus bacteria without affecting the beneficial bacteria in our body. This specificity makes them a potential alternative to antibiotics, especially when faced with antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Additionally, staphylococcal bacteriophages have been studied for their ability to control Staphylococcus contamination in food, hospital settings, and agricultural practices, highlighting their potential in various industries.
In summary, a staphylococcal bacteriophage is a type of virus that infects bacteria belonging to the Staphylococcus genus.
Common Misspellings for STAPHYLOCOCCAL BACTERIOPHAGE
- ataphylococcal bacteriophage
- ztaphylococcal bacteriophage
- xtaphylococcal bacteriophage
- dtaphylococcal bacteriophage
- etaphylococcal bacteriophage
- wtaphylococcal bacteriophage
- sraphylococcal bacteriophage
- sfaphylococcal bacteriophage
- sgaphylococcal bacteriophage
- syaphylococcal bacteriophage
- s6aphylococcal bacteriophage
- s5aphylococcal bacteriophage
- stzphylococcal bacteriophage
- stsphylococcal bacteriophage
- stwphylococcal bacteriophage
- stqphylococcal bacteriophage
- staohylococcal bacteriophage
- stalhylococcal bacteriophage
- sta-hylococcal bacteriophage
- sta0hylococcal bacteriophage
Etymology of STAPHYLOCOCCAL BACTERIOPHAGE
The word "Staphylococcal" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "staphylē" (meaning "bunch of grapes") and "kokkos" (meaning "berry"). It was originally coined by the surgeon Sir Alexander Ogston in 1880, who observed that Staphylococcus bacteria had a grape-like arrangement when viewed under a microscope.
"Bacteriophage" is also derived from Greek roots: "bacterio" (meaning "bacteria") and "phagein" (meaning "to eat"). The term was introduced by Félix d'Hérelle in 1917 to describe viruses that can infect and destroy bacteria. The name reflects their ability to "eat" or destroy bacteria.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
