How Do You Spell BACTEROIDES FRAGILIS?

1. Bacteroides fragilis is a gram-negative anaerobic bacterium that belongs to the Bacteroides genus. It can be found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and other animals as a normal part of the intestinal microbiota. This bacterium is composed of rod-shaped cells and is known for its fragility and susceptibility to oxygen exposure.

   Bacteroides fragilis plays a crucial role in the gut ecosystem, contributing to the overall health of the host. It aids in the digestion of complex carbohydrates by fermenting them into simpler compounds such as short-chain fatty acids, which provide an energy source for the host cells. Additionally, Bacteroides fragilis produces enzymes that break down proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, further assisting in nutrient absorption.

   However, Bacteroides fragilis is also considered an opportunistic pathogen, capable of causing infections in humans. It has been associated with various diseases, including intra-abdominal infections, abscesses, and bloodstream infections. Infection usually occurs when the bacterium translocates from the gut to other areas of the body, often due to a disruption in the normal gut microbiota balance or through surgical procedures.

   Due to its clinical significance, Bacteroides fragilis is frequently tested for antibiotic susceptibility to guide appropriate treatment options. It is commonly found in polymicrobial infections, meaning it is often accompanied by other bacterial species. In clinical settings, Bacteroides fragilis infections are typically treated with a combination of antibiotics that target anaerobic bacteria.

Common Misspellings for BACTEROIDES FRAGILIS

The word "Bacteroides" has its roots in Greek. "Bacterio" comes from the Greek word "bakterion", meaning "small staff" or "little rod", which refers to the shape of the bacteria. "Oides" is a Greek suffix meaning "resemblance" or "having the form of". So "Bacteroides" essentially means "resembling bacteria".

The term "fragilis" comes from Latin, where "fragilis" means "fragile" or "easily broken". This specific species of bacteria was named "fragilis" due to the fact that it is a Gram-negative bacteria with a fragile cell wall, which makes it prone to rupture.

Therefore, the etymology of "Bacteroides fragilis" indicates a bacterium that resembles bacteria with a fragile cell wall.