Bacillus enteritidis is a type of bacteria, commonly found in contaminated food, that can cause serious gastrointestinal illness. The word "Bacillus" is pronounced /bəˈsɪləs/, with stress on the second syllable. "Enteritidis" is pronounced /ˌentərəˈtaɪdɪs/, with stress on the third syllable. The "t" in "enter" is pronounced as a flap or short tap of the tongue, making it like a quick "d" sound. The "i" in "tidis" is pronounced like the "ee" in "sheep". Correct spelling of this word is crucial for accurate communication in scientific and medical contexts.
Bacillus enteritidis is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that belongs to the genus Bacillus. It is a motile bacterium due to the presence of peritrichous flagella, which enable it to move actively in liquid environments. Bacillus enteritidis is often found in various habitats including soil, water, and the gastrointestinal tract of animals.
This bacterium is commonly associated with causing gastrointestinal illnesses in humans and animals. Bacillus enteritidis is capable of producing certain toxins, such as enterotoxins, which can lead to food poisoning. Its ability to produce spores makes it particularly resilient in harsh environments, enabling its survival and transmission.
In humans, the ingestion of contaminated food is the most common route of infection. Symptoms of Bacillus enteritidis infection may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Although the illness is usually self-limiting and resolves within a few days, severe cases may require medical attention.
Prevention and control of Bacillus enteritidis infections involve proper food handling, storage, and hygiene practices. Cooking food thoroughly and maintaining proper temperatures can help eliminate or reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, strict personal hygiene and sanitary practices are essential in preventing the spread of Bacillus enteritidis from infected individuals to others.
Overall, Bacillus enteritidis is an important bacterium to be aware of, particularly in the context of food safety, as it can cause gastrointestinal infections with potential health implications.
Found in meat which had been the cause of extensive poisoning and also in the spleen in one fatal case in man.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Bacillus enteritidis" is a scientific name for a specific type of bacteria.
The etymology of the word "bacillus" can be traced back to Latin, where it means "little stick" or "rod". This term was used by German physician Ferdinand Cohn in 1853 to describe rod-shaped bacteria.
The term "enteritidis" indicates that the bacteria are associated with enteritis, which refers to inflammation of the intestines. It comes from the Greek word "enteron" meaning "intestine" and the Latin suffix "-itis" denoting inflammation.
Therefore, "Bacillus enteritidis" can be translated as "rod-shaped bacteria associated with inflammation of the intestines". This particular scientific name is commonly used to refer to a strain of Salmonella bacteria that can cause food poisoning or gastrointestinal infections.