The spelling of the term "Megalococcus myxoides" can be broken down using International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols. "Megalococcus" is pronounced as /ˌmɛɡələˈkɒkəs/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. "Myxoides" is pronounced as /maɪkˈsɔɪdiːz/, with the emphasis on the first syllable. The term refers to a species of spherical bacteria known for its ability to produce a slimy substance called "mucin." Megalococcus myxoides is commonly found in the oral cavity and is often associated with dental caries and other oral infections.
Megalococcus myxoides is a species of bacteria belonging to the family Staphylococcaceae. It is a gram-positive, facultative anaerobic coccus that typically forms spherical clusters or grape-like structures. This bacterium is mainly found in the oral cavity and has been identified as a part of the normal microbial flora of humans.
The name "Megalococcus" is derived from the Greek words "megas" meaning large and "kokkos" meaning berry, referring to the characteristic cluster formation of these bacteria. The specific epithet "myxoides" is derived from the Greek word "myxa" meaning slime, possibly alluding to the slimy texture of colonies formed by this species.
Megalococcus myxoides is generally considered as an opportunistic pathogen, as it usually does not cause infections in healthy individuals but can be associated with various healthcare-associated infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Infections caused by this bacterium include endocarditis, skin and soft tissue infections, bacteremia, and urinary tract infections.
The species can be identified through laboratory techniques such as Gram staining, microscopic examination of stained samples, and culturing on selective media. Additionally, genetic analysis methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can aid in precise identification. Antibiotic susceptibility testing is crucial to guide appropriate treatment, as some strains of M. myxoides have shown resistance to certain antibiotics.
Overall, Megalococcus myxoides is a bacterium commonly found in the human oral microbiota, which can act as an opportunistic pathogen under certain conditions, necessitating proper identification and targeted treatment.
A blastomycete found by Curtis of Lille in a tumor resembling a myxosarcoma.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the scientific name "Megalococcus myxoides" can be understood by breaking down the individual components:
1. Megalococcus: "Megalococcus" is a combination of two Greek roots - "megas" meaning "big" or "large", and "kokkos" meaning "berry" or "grain". Together, "Megalococcus" refers to a large or big berry.
2. Myxoides: "Myxoides" is derived from the Greek word "myxa", meaning "mucus" or "slime". The suffix "-oides" is used to denote resemblance or similarity. Therefore, "Myxoides" relates to something that resembles or is similar to mucus or slime.