Bacillus fusiformis is a bacterium that is commonly found in the human mouth. Its name is derived from the Latin word "bacillus" meaning a small rod-shaped bacterium, and "fusiformis" meaning spindle-shaped, which describes its shape. The pronunciation of this word is /bəˈsɪləs fjuːzɪfɔːrmɪs/ (buh-SIL-uhs fyoo-ZI-for-mis). The stressed syllables are "sil" and "zi," while the weakly stressed syllables are "fu" and "for." The correct spelling of Bacillus fusiformis is crucial in scientific studies and research.
Bacillus fusiformis is a species of bacteria that belongs to the genus Bacillus and the family Bacillaceae. It is commonly referred to as fusiform bacillus due to its distinctive elongated and spindle-shaped appearance.
This bacterium is Gram-positive, meaning it retains the crystal violet stain in the Gram staining procedure, and possesses a peptidoglycan cell wall. It is motile, thanks to the presence of flagella on its surface, which allows it to move in a characteristic spinning motion. Furthermore, Bacillus fusiformis is known to be capable of forming endospores, which are highly resistant structures that protect the bacterium from harsh environmental conditions.
Bacillus fusiformis is typically found in soil and marine environments, but it can also be isolated from some pathological samples. Despite being a bacterium, it is considered relatively harmless and non-pathogenic. It does not commonly cause infections in humans, though in rare cases it has been associated with certain dental infections and periodontal diseases.
In terms of metabolism, Bacillus fusiformis is known to be an aerobic organism that obtains energy through the oxidation of organic substances. It can also decompose complex compounds, such as cellulose and starch, into simpler forms. This bacterium is often studied for its ability to produce various enzymes that have potential applications in biotechnology and industrial processes.
Overall, Bacillus fusiformis is a distinctive, elongated, and motile bacterium belonging to the Bacillus genus. While it is generally harmless to humans, it possesses interesting physiological traits and is a subject of scientific interest due to its enzymatic capabilities.
The cause of Vincent's angina.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Bacillus" comes from the Latin term "bacillus", which means "small rod" or "wand". It refers to the shape of the bacterium, which typically appears as a rod-like structure under a microscope.
"Fusiformis" is derived from the Latin word "fusus", meaning "spindle". It is used to describe the shape of the bacterium, Bacillus fusiformis, which appears spindle-shaped or tapered at both ends.