HAY BACILLUS Meaning and
Definition
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Hay bacillus, also known as Bacillus anthracis, is a Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium that causes the highly lethal infectious disease known as anthrax. It is a rod-shaped bacterium that typically forms a chain-like structure. The term "hay bacillus" originated from the observation that the organism is commonly found in soil, particularly in areas where livestock such as cows, sheep, and goats graze on hay or grass.
The hay bacillus is capable of forming highly resilient spores that allow it to withstand harsh environmental conditions for extended periods, enabling its survival in the environment. The spores can persist in soil or contaminated animal products like wool or hides, acting as a reservoir for infection.
In humans, contact with contaminated animal products or inhaling spores can lead to an infection that can manifest as cutaneous, gastrointestinal, or inhalational anthrax, with varying degrees of severity. Cutaneous anthrax typically presents as a skin infection, whereas inhalational anthrax is the most lethal form and can result in severe respiratory distress and systemic symptoms.
Due to its potential use as a bioweapon, extensive research has been conducted on the hay bacillus, leading to the development of vaccines and effective treatment options. Appropriate management, including quarantine measures and decontamination processes, is crucial in preventing the spread of this highly infectious and potentially fatal disease.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HAY BACILLUS
- gay bacillus
- bay bacillus
- nay bacillus
- jay bacillus
- uay bacillus
- yay bacillus
- hzy bacillus
- hsy bacillus
- hwy bacillus
- hqy bacillus
- hat bacillus
- hag bacillus
- hah bacillus
- hau bacillus
- ha7 bacillus
- ha6 bacillus
- hay vacillus
- hay nacillus
- hay hacillus
- hay gacillus
Etymology of HAY BACILLUS
The word "hay bacillus" combines two terms, "hay" and "bacillus":
1. Hay: The term "hay" originated from Old English "hēg" or "hīeg", which ultimately comes from Proto-Germanic "haujō". It refers to dried grass or other plants used as animal fodder, especially for horses and cattle. The word "hay" has been in use since the 10th century.
2. Bacillus: The term "bacillus" is derived from Latin, where it originally meant a small rod or staff. It comes from the Latin word "baculum", which translates to "rod" or "stick". In the context of microbiology, "bacillus" refers to a rod-shaped bacterium. The word "bacillus" dates back to the early 19th century.
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