Bacillus cloacae is a common bacterium found in soil and water. Its spelling can be a bit challenging due to the use of Latin terminology. The word "Bacillus" is pronounced as /bəˈsɪləs/ and refers to the rod-shaped structure of the organism. "Cloacae" is pronounced as /kloʊˈeɪsi/ and is derived from the Latin word "cloaca", meaning sewer, referring to the organism's ability to degrade a variety of environmental pollutants. Correct spelling of this word is important for accurate identification and research purposes.
Bacillus cloacae is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium belonging to the family Bacillaceae. It is considered an opportunistic pathogen that can cause infections in humans and animals, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
The name "Bacillus cloacae" is derived from the Latin word "bacillus," meaning small rod, and "cloacae," which refers to the location where the bacterium was first isolated, the cloaca, a chamber for excretion and reproduction in reptiles, birds, and some mammals.
This bacterium is commonly found in various environments, including soil, water, and decaying organic matter. It is capable of surviving in diverse conditions, displaying resistance to many antibiotics and disinfectants. Additionally, Bacillus cloacae possesses a unique ability to degrade and utilize a wide range of organic compounds as a carbon source, enabling its survival in different ecological niches.
In terms of its medical significance, Bacillus cloacae is often associated with healthcare-associated infections, commonly found in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. It is known to cause infections such as urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, and bloodstream infections. Due to its high degree of antibiotic resistance, treating infections caused by Bacillus cloacae can be challenging, necessitating the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics or combinations of drugs.
In summary, Bacillus cloacae is a versatile bacterium that can survive in various environments, including healthcare settings. Its ability to degrade organic compounds and resistance to antibiotics make it a potential threat as an opportunistic pathogen.
A microorganism found in sewage, supposed to be non-pathogenic, but has been observed in certain septicemic states such as Archibald's fever.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Bacillus" originates from Latin, derived from the Greek word "baktron", meaning a staff or rod. This term was used to describe the shape of bacteria that appear rod-shaped under a microscope.
"Cloacae" is derived from the Latin word "cloaca", which means sewer or drain. It refers to the natural cavity in certain animals where excretory and reproductive systems meet. The term "cloacae" is used in the scientific name of this bacterium because it was first isolated from sewage samples.