Micrococcus loewenbergii is a species of bacteria found in soil and aquatic environments. The spelling of this word is quite complex and can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first part, "Micrococcus," is pronounced /ˌmaɪkrəˈkɒkəs/. The second part, "loewenbergii," is pronounced /ləʊ.ənˈbɛrɡi/, with stress on the third syllable. The correct spelling of this word is important for accurately identifying and studying this species of bacteria.
Micrococcus loewenbergii is a gram-positive bacterium primarily found in environmental settings. It belongs to the genus Micrococcus, which consists of non-motile, spherical cells arranged in tetrads or irregular clusters. This bacterium is commonly found in soil, dust, water, and air, but can also be present on human skin and various animal surfaces.
The characteristics of M. loewenbergii contribute to its ability to adapt to diverse environments. It has a peptidoglycan cell wall structure, which gives it a firm but flexible shape and protects it from osmotic changes. Furthermore, it possesses a thick polysaccharide capsule that aids in attachment and biofilm formation, allowing it to survive in biofilms on surfaces.
M. loewenbergii is known for its aerobic metabolism and utilizes a variety of carbon sources like sugars and complex organic compounds for energy production. It can also obtain energy from alternative sources such as alcohols and fatty acids. This versatility in nutrient utilization contributes to its resilience and ability to survive in different environments.
While M. loewenbergii is generally considered non-pathogenic, it can occasionally cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. However, its significance as an opportunistic pathogen is still limited compared to other species within the genus Micrococcus.
In conclusion, Micrococcus loewenbergii refers to a gram-positive bacterium inhabiting diverse environmental settings, including soil, water, and human skin. It possesses unique characteristics that enable it to thrive in various conditions, while its pathogenicity is generally considered low.
A probably pathogenic species found in certain cases of ozena.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Micrococcus loewenbergii" can be broken down into its components for a better understanding of its etymology:
1. Micrococcus: The term "Micrococcus" is derived from the Greek words "mikros" meaning small and "kokkos" meaning berry or grain. This reflects the small spherical shape of the bacteria belonging to the Micrococcus genus. The genus Micrococcus was first described by German microbiologist Carl Günther in 1872.
2. Loewenbergii: This specific epithet "loewenbergii" is named after a person, usually an individual who has contributed significantly to the field or is associated with the discovery or description of the species. In this case, "loewenbergii" honors the German bacteriologist Carl Loewenberg who contributed to the understanding of microorganisms during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.