Definition

Noun: * A species of bacteria, specifically Campylobacter fetus, that is a known pathogen causing infectious abortion in sheep and cattle. It can also cause intestinal illness in humans.

Usage

• The term is used primarily in veterinary and medical contexts to identify the causative agent of a specific disease.
• It functions as a compound noun where "Vibrio" refers to the genus (a curved, rod-shaped bacterium) and "fetus" indicates its primary pathogenic effect.

Examples

• The veterinarian diagnosed the outbreak of abortion in the flock as being caused by .
• Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of in the tissue samples.
• Research into has helped develop vaccines for livestock.

Advanced Usage

• The bacterium formerly known as is now more accurately classified within the genus . In modern taxonomy, it is referred to as . The term "Vibrio fetus" remains in use for historical context and in some diagnostic settings.

Variants and Related Words

• Campylobacter fetus: The current scientific name for the bacterium.
• Vibriosis: The name of the disease caused by this bacterium in animals.
• Bovine genital campylobacteriosis: A specific term for the infection in cattle.

Synonyms

• (preferred modern term)

Notes on Meaning

This term has a very specific, technical meaning in microbiology and veterinary science. It does not have general or figurative uses. Its definition is tied directly to its role as a pathogenic organism.

Noun

1. bacteria that cause abortion in sheep