The word "Micrococcus aerogenes" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˌmaɪkrəˈkɒkəs ɛrəˈdʒiːniːz/. The first part "micrococcus" is pronounced as "my-kruh-kok-uhs," with the emphasis on the second syllable. The second part "aerogenes" is pronounced as "er-uh-jee-neez," with the emphasis on the third syllable. This word refers to a gram-positive type of bacteria commonly found in soil and water. Proper spelling and pronunciation of scientific names are important to avoid confusion and ensure accurate communication in fields such as microbiology.
Micrococcus aerogenes is a species of spherical-shaped, Gram-positive bacteria that belongs to the Micrococcaceae family. It is commonly found in various environments, including the soil, water, air, and human skin. This bacterium is non-motile and does not form spores.
Micrococcus aerogenes is typically characterized by its small size, measuring around 0.8 to 2.5 micrometers in diameter. It forms into grape-like clusters or irregularly arranged groups when grown on solid media. The colonies of this bacterium usually have an off-white to yellowish color.
This bacterium is known to be facultative anaerobic, meaning it can survive in both oxygen-rich (aerobic) and oxygen-limited (anaerobic) environments. It is catalase positive, producing the enzyme catalase, which allows it to break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
Micrococcus aerogenes is considered a normal inhabitant of the human skin and mucous membranes, where it forms part of the skin's microbial flora. However, it can also act as an opportunistic pathogen, causing infections in immunocompromised individuals or in cases where there are breaches in the skin barrier.
The pathogenic potential of Micrococcus aerogenes is often associated with its ability to produce various extracellular enzymes, such as lipases and proteases, which can contribute to tissue damage and disease progression. Infections caused by Micrococcus aerogenes are relatively rare but can manifest as deep tissue infections, wound infections, bacteremia, and septicemia.
Micrococcus aerogenes is typically susceptible to a wide range of antibiotics, including penicillin, cephalosporins, and vancomycin.
A gas-forming coccus in the intestinal canal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Micrococcus aerogenes" has its roots in Greek and Latin.
The term "Micrococcus" comes from the Greek words "mikros", meaning small, and "kokkos", which means berry or grain. It refers to the bacteria's small, spherical shape, resembling small berries or grains.
"Aerogenes" is a Latin word that can be broken down into two parts: "aero", meaning air, and "genes", meaning born or produced. It describes the ability of the bacteria to produce gas in the presence of oxygen.
Therefore, "Micrococcus aerogenes" can be understood as small berry-shaped bacteria capable of producing gas with exposure to air or oxygen.