MICROCOCCUS CATARRHALIS Meaning and
Definition
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Micrococcus catarrhalis is a species of gram-positive, coagulase-negative, non-spore-forming bacteria that belong to the bacterial genus Micrococcus. It is a spherical or cocci-shaped bacterium with a diameter ranging from 0.5 to 3.5 micrometers, and it typically occurs in clusters, pairs, or tetrads.
The name "catarrhalis" was derived from its association with respiratory tract infections. Micrococcus catarrhalis is considered an opportunistic pathogen, commonly found in the upper respiratory tract, but can also be isolated from other anatomical sites, including the skin and mucous membranes. It is particularly prevalent in individuals with compromised immune systems or those suffering from underlying respiratory conditions.
In terms of its pathogenicity, Micrococcus catarrhalis can cause various infections such as pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis media, and endocarditis, although these infections are relatively rare compared to other bacteria responsible for similar diseases. Antibiotic susceptibility testing is necessary to determine the most effective treatment, as some strains have displayed resistance to certain antibiotics.
Micrococcus catarrhalis is a heterotrophic bacterium that is aerobically or facultatively anaerobically metabolized. It can obtain energy from a wide range of carbon sources present in the host environment. Furthermore, it is catalase-positive, indicating the presence of the enzyme catalase, which facilitates the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
In summary, Micrococcus catarrhalis is a gram-positive bacterium commonly found in the upper respiratory tract and associated with respiratory infections in individuals with compromised immunity or underlying respiratory conditions. It is a spherical bacterium that typically occurs in clusters and can cause various infections.
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A large spherical or ovoid, paired (diplococcus), non-motile, gram-negative organism, occurring in superficial inflammations of the mucous membrane, and believed to be one of the causes of acute coryza.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MICROCOCCUS CATARRHALIS
- nicrococcus catarrhalis
- kicrococcus catarrhalis
- jicrococcus catarrhalis
- mucrococcus catarrhalis
- mjcrococcus catarrhalis
- mkcrococcus catarrhalis
- mocrococcus catarrhalis
- m9crococcus catarrhalis
- m8crococcus catarrhalis
- mixrococcus catarrhalis
- mivrococcus catarrhalis
- mifrococcus catarrhalis
- midrococcus catarrhalis
- miceococcus catarrhalis
- micdococcus catarrhalis
- micfococcus catarrhalis
- mictococcus catarrhalis
- mic5ococcus catarrhalis
- mic4ococcus catarrhalis
- micricoccus catarrhalis
Etymology of MICROCOCCUS CATARRHALIS
The word "micrococcus" has its roots in Greek. "Micros" means small, and "kókkos" means berry or granule. This term was coined in reference to the shape of the bacterial cells, which appear as small, round granules under a microscope. "Catarrhalis" is derived from the Latin word "catarrhus", meaning inflammation of a mucous membrane, particularly in the nose or throat. Thus, the term "Micrococcus catarrhalis" is used to describe a small, round-shaped bacterium associated with respiratory tract infections.
