How Do You Spell COCCOBACTERIUM?

1. Coccobacterium refers to a genus of aerobic, gram-negative bacteria that appear as round or oval-shaped cells under a microscope. These bacteria typically display a coccobacillary shape, which is intermediate between the spherical coccus and the rod-shaped bacillus. The name Coccobacterium is derived from the Latin words "coccus," meaning a spherical bacterium, and "bacterium," relating to any type of microorganism.

   Coccobacterium species are known to be facultative anaerobes, meaning they can survive in environments with or without oxygen. They are commonly found in soil, water, and in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. Some species of Coccobacterium have been associated with infections in both animals and humans, although they primarily cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals.

   The pathogenic potential of Coccobacterium is related to its ability to produce various virulence factors, such as adhesins and cytotoxins, which enable them to attach to host cells and cause damage. Infections caused by Coccobacterium species can vary depending on the site of infection but may manifest as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, or septicemia.

   Due to their gram-negative nature, Coccobacterium species are often susceptible to a broad range of antibiotics, including aminoglycosides and beta-lactams. However, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains poses a significant challenge in the treatment of Coccobacterium infections.

   In summary, Coccobacterium refers to a genus of gram-negative bacteria with a coccobacillary shape, found in various environments and capable of causing opportunistic infections in humans and animals.

2. Coccus (2).

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

Common Misspellings for COCCOBACTERIUM

The word "Coccobacterium" is derived from Greek roots.

The prefix "Cocco-" comes from the Greek word "kokkos", meaning "berry" or "grain". This prefix is often used in biology to describe bacteria that are shaped like cocci, which are spherical or oval cells.

The second part of the word, "bacterium", comes from the Greek word "bakterion", meaning "small rod" or "staff-like". It is used to refer to any microorganism that is a bacterium.

Combining these elements, "Coccobacterium" specifically refers to a type of bacterium that is shaped like cocci.