The spelling of the word "Spirochaeta recurrentis" can be difficult to unpack for those unfamiliar with Greek and Latin roots. Its IPA phonetic transcription reads: /spɪˌrɒkɪˈtiːtə rɪˈkʌrəntɪs/. The word is derived from the Greek "speira," meaning "coil," and "chaitē," meaning "long hair." Recurrentis, from the Latin root "recurro," meaning "to return," refers to the periodic nature of the disease the spirochete bacterium causes - known as relapsing fever. The spirochete bacterium's distinctive spiral shape was first visualized by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in 1676.
Spirochaeta recurrentis is a bacterium that belongs to the genus Spirochaeta and is the causative agent of the infectious disease known as relapsing fever. It is a Gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium that is usually found in the bloodstreams of humans and animals, particularly rodents. The bacterium is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected lice or ticks, making it an arthropod-borne (vector-borne) disease.
Spirochaeta recurrentis is characterized by its ability to cause recurrent outbreaks of fever, hence the name "relapsing fever." The bacterium is highly adaptive and can undergo structural changes on its outer surface, allowing it to evade the host's immune system and persist in the body for extended periods.
Clinical manifestations of the infection include sudden-onset fevers, chills, headache, muscle aches, and joint pain. The symptoms typically recur in cycles, with considerable variations in the duration and severity of each episode. If left untreated, severe complications such as myocarditis or central nervous system involvement may occur, leading to potentially fatal outcomes.
Diagnosis of Spirochaeta recurrentis infection is primarily achieved through direct examination of blood smears under a microscope, where the characteristic spiral-shaped bacteria can be identified. In addition, molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can be employed for a more specific and sensitive diagnosis.
Treatment involves the administration of antibiotics, such as tetracycline or penicillin, which can effectively eliminate the bacteria from the bloodstream. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing the progression of the disease and reducing the risk of potentially fatal complications.
S. obermeieri.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Spirochaeta recurrentis" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek.
The term "Spirochaeta" is derived from the Greek words "spira" meaning "coil" or "twisted" and "chaite" meaning "hair". This reflects the characteristic spiral shape of the bacteria.
The word "recurrentis" is derived from the Latin word "recurrentis" which means "recurring" or "returning". This refers to the recurrent nature of the disease caused by the bacterium Spirochaeta recurrentis, which is known as relapsing fever.