Coccobacilli
Coccobacilli
Coccobacilli (pronunciation: /kɒkoʊbəˈsɪlaɪ/) are a type of bacteria that are slightly elongated or oval-shaped, making them appear intermediate between the cocci (spherical bacteria) and bacilli (rod-shaped bacteria).
Etymology
The term "coccobacilli" is derived from the Greek words "kokkos" meaning "berry" and "bakterion" meaning "little rod". It was first used in the late 19th century to describe bacteria that did not fit neatly into the two main categories of cocci and bacilli.
Characteristics
Coccobacilli are Gram-negative bacteria, meaning they do not retain the violet stain used in the Gram stain procedure. They are typically aerobic, meaning they require oxygen to grow and reproduce. Some species of coccobacilli are pathogenic, causing diseases in humans and other animals.
Related Terms
- Cocci: Spherical bacteria that can exist as single cells, in pairs, chains, or clusters.
- Bacilli: Rod-shaped bacteria that can be found in many different environments, including soil, water, and the human body.
- Gram-negative bacteria: Bacteria that do not retain the violet stain used in the Gram stain procedure. They are often more resistant to antibiotics than Gram-positive bacteria.
- Gram stain: A method of staining bacterial cells to identify and classify them.
Pathogenic Species
Some species of coccobacilli are pathogenic, meaning they can cause disease. These include:
- Haemophilus influenzae: A bacterium that can cause a range of diseases, including pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections.
- Bordetella pertussis: The bacterium that causes whooping cough.
- Brucella: A genus of bacteria that can cause brucellosis, a disease that can lead to long-term complications like arthritis and meningitis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Coccobacilli
- Wikipedia's article - Coccobacilli
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