Definition

1. Noun:
   • A species of bacterium that causes diphtheria: Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a pathogenic bacterium responsible for the infectious disease diphtheria. It is characterized by its rod-like shape and its ability to produce a potent toxin.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The laboratory test confirmed the presence of Corynebacterium diphtheriae in the patient's throat swab.
  • Vaccination is highly effective in preventing infections caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
  • The toxin produced by Corynebacterium diphtheriae can damage the heart and nervous system.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific nomenclature: In formal medical and microbiological contexts, the full binomial name is used. It is often italicized in writing.
  • The study focused on the genetic variation among strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Variants and Related Words

• C. diphtheriae (n): A standard abbreviated form of the full scientific name.
  • The antibiotic was tested against C. diphtheriae.
• Diphtheria toxin (n): The exotoxin produced by this bacterium, which is the primary cause of disease symptoms.
  • The diphtheria toxin inhibits protein synthesis in human cells.

Synonyms

• Klebs-Löffler bacillus (n): An older, historical name for the bacterium, named after its discoverers.
  • The Klebs-Löffler bacillus was identified in the late 19th century.

Related Phrases

• Carrier of Corynebacterium diphtheriae: An individual who harbors the bacterium without showing symptoms of the disease.
  • Public health measures aim to identify and treat carriers of Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Noun

1. a species of bacterium that causes diphtheria