The term "Bacillus of Eberth" refers to a bacterium called Salmonella typhi, which is primarily associated with causing typhoid fever, a severe and potentially fatal illness. The name "Bacillus of Eberth" honors the German pathologist Carl Joseph Eberth, who first discovered and described this bacterium in 1880.
Salmonella typhi is a rod-shaped, gram-negative bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is an obligate human pathogen, meaning it can only infect humans. This bacterium is typically transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Once ingested, the bacteria make their way to the small intestine, where they invade the intestinal lining and are then engulfed by macrophages. The bacterium can then replicate within the macrophages and disseminate throughout the body via the bloodstream. This systemic infection leads to the development of typhoid fever.
Symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea or constipation. If left untreated, the infection can lead to complications like intestinal perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, or even death.
Diagnosis of the Bacillus of Eberth usually involves blood, urine, or stool cultures to detect the presence of Salmonella typhi. Treatment often involves antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones or cephalosporins, to eradicate the bacteria. Prevention measures include practicing proper hygiene, safe food handling, and the administration of the typhoid vaccine.
In conclusion, the Bacillus of Eberth is the bacterium Salmonella typhi, responsible for causing typhoid fever, a severe infectious disease that primarily affects humans.
