The spelling of "Acholeplasma laidlawii" may seem peculiar at first, but it's simply following the rules of Latin-based scientific naming conventions. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word would be /ˌækəʊlɛˈplæzmə leɪdlɔːi/. The genus name, Acholeplasma, derives from the ancient Greek words for "without bile," while the species name, laidlawii, honors the Scottish bacteriologist who first isolated the microorganism, J. Laidlaw. Paying attention to scientific spelling, including Latin suffixes, is important for clear communication within the scientific community.
Acholeplasma laidlawii is a species of bacteria that belongs to the class Mollicutes. It is characterized by its lack of a cell wall, resulting in a pleomorphic shape (able to take on various forms). A. laidlawii is considered a pathogenic mycoplasma species, known to cause various diseases and infections in both humans and animals.
This bacterium is typically found in the respiratory tract and urogenital system of mammals, including humans. It can also be present in the environment, such as soil or plants. Acholeplasma laidlawii is commonly associated with pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and other respiratory and genitourinary infections. It has also been isolated from clinical samples such as urine, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid.
A. laidlawii is notable for its ability to survive and replicate in the absence of cholesterol, unlike some other species in the Acholeplasma genus. It is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can grow both with and without oxygen. The bacterium is sensitive to certain antibiotics, and treatment generally involves the administration of appropriate antimicrobial agents.
In the laboratory, Acholeplasma laidlawii is often used as a model organism for studying mycoplasma biology due to its unique characteristics. Its relatively small genome and simple cellular structure make it an ideal bacteria for research purposes, particularly in studying cell wall synthesis, antibiotic susceptibility, and pathogenesis.
The word "Acholeplasma laidlawii" is composed of two parts: "Acholeplasma" and "laidlawii".
1. Acholeplasma: The term "Acholeplasma" is derived from the Greek words "a-" meaning "without", "cholē" meaning bile or gall, and "plasma" referring to something formed or molded. Therefore, "Acholeplasma" literally means "without bile-like substance". It was coined in reference to the bacteria's ability to grow in the absence of sterols, which are considered bile-like substances.
2. Laidlawii: The term "laidlawii" is named after Dr. Peter M. Laidlaw Jr., who was a renowned Scottish virologist and bacteriologist.