Staphylococcal is a medical term used to describe an infection caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus. The word has 14 letters and can be pronounced as /ˌstæfələˈkɒkəl/. It is composed of three syllables with the primary stress on the second syllable. The word begins with "staphylo-", which comes from Greek "staphylē" meaning grape, referring to the bacteria's grape-like clusters. The "-coccal" ending comes from "kokkos," the Greek for berry, indicating the bacteria's spherical shape. The correct spelling is essential when describing and treating bacterial infections.
Staphylococcal is an adjective that refers to a type of bacteria belonging to the genus Staphylococcus. Staphylococcus bacteria are gram-positive, facultative anaerobes that are typically found in clusters or grape-like bunches when observed under a microscope. They are spherical in shape and lack spores.
The term staphylococcal is often used to describe diseases or infections caused by these bacteria. Staphylococcal infections are quite common and can occur on various parts of the body, particularly on the skin. These infections can range from mild, such as pimples or boils, to more serious conditions like cellulitis, abscesses, or even septicemia.
Staphylococcal infections are typically contracted through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated objects. Certain strains of Staphylococcus bacteria are known to be resistant to antibiotics, making the treatment of staphylococcal infections more challenging.
In addition to skin infections, staphylococcal bacteria can also cause a range of other infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and post-surgical wound infections. When staphylococcal infections spread to other parts of the body or enter the bloodstream, they can lead to severe and life-threatening complications.
Effective prevention and control measures, such as proper hand hygiene, cleanliness, and adherence to infection control protocols, are crucial in reducing the spread and incidence of staphylococcal infections. Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotics are important in the management of staphylococcal infections to prevent further complications.
Relating to or caused by any species of Staphylococcus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "staphylococcal" originates from the combination of two Greek words: "staphylē", meaning "bunch of grapes", and "kokkos", meaning "berry" or "granule". This term was coined because the bacteria Staphylococcus, responsible for staphylococcal infections, often form clusters resembling bunches of grapes when viewed under a microscope.