staphylococcus

/,stæfilə'kɔkəs/

Thân thiện

A scientist examines a staphylococcus culture under a microscope.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of spherical, Gram-positive bacteria that are often parasitic and typically form irregular, grapelike clusters. Some strains can cause various infections in humans and animals, including boils, septicemia (blood poisoning), and other localized or systemic infections.

Usage

• Noun:
  • Staphylococcus is commonly found on the skin and in the nasal passages of healthy individuals.
  • The laboratory test confirmed the presence of staphylococcus in the wound culture.
  • Infections caused by staphylococcus can range from minor skin conditions to life-threatening illnesses.

Advanced Usage

• "Staphylococcus aureus": A specific, often pathogenic species of staphylococcus, known for its role in a wide range of infections and its potential antibiotic resistance (e.g., MRSA - Methicillin-resistant ).
  • The outbreak was traced to a strain of Staphylococcus aureus.
• "Coagulase-negative staphylococci": A group of staphylococcus species that typically cause less severe or opportunistic infections, often associated with medical devices.
  • Coagulase-negative staphylococci are a common cause of bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients.

Variants and Related Words

• Staphylococcal (adj): Pertaining to or caused by staphylococcus.
  • She was treated for a staphylococcal infection.
• Staphylococci (n, plural): The plural form of staphylococcus.
  • Several types of staphylococci were identified in the sample.

Synonyms

• Staph (n, informal): A common shortened form of staphylococcus.
  • The patient has a staph infection.
• Coccus (n): A general term for any spherical bacterium. (Note: is a specific genus within this broader category.)

Related Phrases

• "Staph infection": A common phrase referring to any infection caused by staphylococcus bacteria.
  • Proper wound care is essential to prevent a staph infection.
• "Carrier of staphylococcus": A person who harbors the bacteria, often without showing symptoms.
  • Healthcare workers are sometimes screened to see if they are carriers of staphylococcus.

Học thuật

Noun

1. spherical Gram-positive parasitic bacteria that tend to form irregular colonies; some cause boils or septicemia or infections

Từ đồng nghĩa

• staphylococci
• staph