MEGACOCCUS Meaning and
Definition
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Megacoccus is a noun that refers to a genus of bacteria belonging to the family Micrococcaceae. It is a gram-positive cocci bacterium characterized by large, round or ovoid cells. The name "megacoccus" is derived from the Greek words "mega," meaning large, and "kokkos," meaning berry or seed, which accurately describes its morphology.
Members of this genus are typically found in clusters, arranged in irregular patterns resembling bunches of grapes or clusters of berries. They are non-motile and lack flagella, hence they do not possess the ability for self-propulsion. Megacoccus species are usually found in soil, water, plants, and various organisms, including humans.
While some species of Megacoccus are non-pathogenic and form part of the normal microflora on human skin, others can be opportunistic pathogens. They have been known to cause infections in immunocompromised individuals or in individuals with weakened immune systems, most commonly leading to skin and soft tissue infections. In these cases, infections usually occur due to the disruption of the normal skin barrier, allowing the bacteria to penetrate and proliferate.
Megacoccus species are typically resistant to various antibiotics, making treatment somewhat challenging. Therefore, proper identification and susceptibility testing are important for effective management of infections caused by these bacteria.
In summary, "megacoccus" refers to a group of gram-positive cocci bacteria, characterized by large, round or ovoid cells found in clusters, typically on skin or other organisms. While some species are harmless, others can be opportunistic pathogens causing infections primarily in immunocompromised individuals.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MEGACOCCUS
- megacocbus
- megacocc5s
- megacocces
- megacoccqs
- megacoccws
- megacoccts
- megacoccu3
- megacoccuc
- megacoccuq
- megacoccur
- m egacoccus
- me gacoccus
- meg acoccus
- mega coccus
- megac occus
- megaco ccus
- megacoc cus
- megacocc us
- megacoccu s
Etymology of MEGACOCCUS
The word "megacoccus" is derived from Greek roots.
The prefix "mega-" comes from the Greek word "megas", meaning "great" or "large". It is often used in scientific terminology to indicate a large size or quantity.
The word "coccus" also has Greek origins, derived from "kokkos" meaning "berry" or "seed". In biology, "coccus" refers to a spherical or round-shaped bacterium, often occurring in clusters or chains.
Therefore, combining these roots, "megacoccus" literally means a large spherical bacterium.
