How Do You Spell FUSOBACTERIA?

Pronunciation: [fjˌuːsəbɐktˈi͡əɹɪə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "fusobacteria" can be explained using the IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "fu-" is pronounced as /fju:/, with the "f" sound followed by the "yoo" sound. The second syllable, "-so-" is pronounced as /səʊ/, with a long "o" sound. The final syllable, "-bacteria" is pronounced as /bækˈtɪəriə/, with the stress on the second syllable and the "i" pronounced as a short "i" sound. "Fusobacteria" is a type of bacteria commonly found in the mouth and can cause infections.

FUSOBACTERIA Meaning and Definition

1. Fusobacteria are a group of gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria that belong to the phylum Fusobacteria. They are slender, rod-shaped bacteria with pointed ends, typically measuring about 1 to 2 micrometers in length. Fusobacteria are widely distributed in various environments, including soil, water, and the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals.

   These bacteria are known for being fastidious and often require specialized growth conditions, such as an anaerobic atmosphere and specific growth media, to flourish. Although many species of Fusobacteria are commensal microorganisms that reside harmlessly in the oral, gastrointestinal, or urogenital tracts of their hosts, certain strains have been associated with various diseases and infections.

   Fusobacteria are often implicated in the development of periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. They can form biofilms on the teeth and gums, contributing to the production of toxins and causing inflammation that damages the oral tissues. Additionally, some species of Fusobacteria have been associated with infections in other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, and female reproductive system, where they can cause serious conditions like Lemierre's syndrome and pelvic inflammatory disease.

   Research on fusobacteria and their role in human health is ongoing, as scientists are investigating their potential involvement in other diseases and exploring ways to target them for therapeutic interventions.

Etymology of FUSOBACTERIA

The word "fusobacteria" is derived from two parts: "fuso" and "bacteria".

1. "Fuso" - The term "fuso" is derived from the Latin word "fusus", which means "spindle". The term "fuso" is used in biology to refer to shapes or structures resembling a spindle. It is derived from the Latin word because the shape of fusobacteria, specifically their elongated and spindle-like appearance, resembles a spindle.

2. "Bacteria" - The term "bacteria" comes from the plural form of the Latin word "bacterium", which means "a small rod or stick". It was coined by a German physician and botanist, Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg, in 1828.

Combining these two parts, "fusobacteria" refers to a specific group of bacteria that has a spindle-like shape.