The spelling of the bacterial species "Bacillus typhi murium" can be a bit confusing due to its Latin origins. "Bacillus" is pronounced /bəˈsɪləs/ (buh-SIL-us), while "typhi" is pronounced /ˈtaɪfaɪ/ (TIE-fy). "Murium" may also trip up some readers, as it is pronounced /mjʊərɪəm/ (MYUR-ee-uhm). Altogether, the correct pronunciation of "Bacillus typhi murium" is /bəˈsɪləs ˈtaɪfaɪ ˈmjʊərɪəm/ (buh-SIL-us TIE-fy MYUR-ee-uhm).
Bacillus typhi murium is a specific strain of bacteria that belongs to the genus Bacillus. It is characterized by its rod-shaped cells and ability to form endospores, which are dormant, protective structures that allow the organism to survive harsh conditions. Bacillus typhi murium is commonly referred to as a murine typhus bacillus.
This bacterium is known to cause an infectious disease known as murine typhus or endemic typhus in humans. Murine typhus is typically transmitted through the bite of infected fleas, namely those found on rats and other rodents. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, where rats and fleas thrive in close proximity to humans.
Symptoms of infection with Bacillus typhi murium include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, and endocarditis. Diagnosis of murine typhus usually involves laboratory testing of blood or other bodily fluids to detect the presence of the bacteria or specific antibodies.
Treatment for murine typhus typically involves the use of antibiotics such as doxycycline or chloramphenicol. Prompt treatment can greatly reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as prevent complications. Public health measures, such as flea control and rodent eradication, play a crucial role in preventing the spread of Bacillus typhi murium and reducing the risk of infection.
A motile, flagellated, gram-negative organism, resembling the typhoid b., pathogenic for mice, which almost invariably die when infected.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.