The scientific name for the yeast-like fungus that causes the infection cryptococcosis is Micrococcus neoformans. Its spelling can be a bit tricky due to its various combinations of consonants and vowels. The first word is pronounced as "mikro'kɒkəs," with the stress on the second syllable. The second word is pronounced as "ni'əʊfɔːmænz," with the stress on the third syllable. Despite being spelled with a "c," Micrococcus is not related to the bacterial genus of the same name.
Micrococcus neoformans is a bacterium that belongs to the genus Micrococcus, a group of gram-positive cocci-shaped bacteria. It is a non-pathogenic and non-motile species commonly found in the environment, such as soil, water, and air.
The name "Micrococcus neoformans" is derived from the Greek words "micro," meaning small, "kókkos," meaning berry or coccus, and "neoformans," meaning new form. This species was first identified in the late 19th century and was initially thought to be pathogenic but later studies confirmed its harmless nature.
Micrococcus neoformans typically appears as isolated or clustered cells with a diameter of around 0.5 to 1.5 micrometers. It is a facultative anaerobe, able to survive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-depleted environments. The bacteria reproduce through binary fission, dividing into two equal daughter cells.
Although Micrococcus neoformans is generally considered non-pathogenic, there have been reports of rare cases of infections associated with this bacterium, primarily in immunocompromised individuals or through invasive medical procedures. However, these occurrences are infrequent and often related to the presence of other underlying conditions.
In conclusion, Micrococcus neoformans is a gram-positive bacterium commonly found in the environment, exhibiting a spherical-shaped morphology. While generally harmless, it may pose a risk of infection in certain vulnerable individuals.
A diplococcus claimed by Doyen to be pathogenic for cancer.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "Micrococcus neoformans" can be broken down as follows:
1. Micrococcus: The term "Micrococcus" is derived from the Greek words "mikros" meaning "small" and "kokkos" meaning "berry" or "grain". It was coined by German naturalist Ferdinand Cohn in 1872 to describe a group of spherical-shaped bacteria that are typically small in size.
2. Neoformans: The term "neoformans" comes from the Latin word "neo-" meaning "new" and "formare" meaning "to shape" or "to form". It indicates that the organism has the ability to produce new or different forms of structures, typically referring to the production of spores or capsules.