The spelling of the word "Micrococcus paratetragenus" follows the rules of scientific nomenclature. The first part, "Micrococcus," refers to the genus of the bacterium, while "paratetragenus" specifies the species. The IPA transcription of "Micrococcus paratetragenus" is /maɪkroʊˈkɑkəs pærətɛˈtrædʒənəs/, which highlights the stressed syllables and the soft "g" sound in "paratetragenus." Proper spelling and pronunciation of scientific names are crucial for effective communication in the scientific community and avoiding confusion over species identification.
Micrococcus paratetragenus is a species of gram-positive bacteria that belongs to the family Micrococcaceae. It is a non-motile coccus with a spherical or slightly elongated shape, typically occurring in pairs or tetrads. This bacterium is characterized by its small size, typically ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 micrometers in diameter.
Micrococcus paratetragenus is commonly found in various environmental sources such as soil, dust, and water. It is also a part of the normal microbiota of mammalian respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts. However, it can also act as an opportunistic pathogen, causing infections primarily in individuals with compromised immune systems, particularly those with underlying medical conditions or undergoing invasive procedures.
Infections caused by Micrococcus paratetragenus can manifest as bacteremia, endocarditis, urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, and pulmonary infections. It is known to be resistant to multiple antibiotics, making treatment challenging.
Micrococcus paratetragenus is identified through various laboratory techniques, such as microscopic examination of stained specimens, culturing on specific media, and performing biochemical tests. Molecular methods, including PCR and DNA sequencing, may also be employed for accurate identification.
Understanding the characteristics and behavior of Micrococcus paratetragenus is crucial for effective prevention and management of associated infections.
A coccus of variable size, often present in the nasal cavities, and thought to be an occasional cause of acute coryza.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term Micrococcus is derived from the Greek words mikros, meaning small, and kokkos, meaning berry or grain. This name reflects the small, spherical shape of the bacterium.
Paratetragenus is a combination of the Greek prefixes para and tetra, meaning beside and four, respectively, indicating that the microorganism forms groups of four cocci (spherical cells) arranged in clusters.
Therefore, Micrococcus paratetragenus can be translated as small cocci arranged side by side in groups of four.