coccus
[kok´us] (pl. coc´ci) (L.)a spherical bacterium, usually slightly less than 1 μ in diameter, belonging to the Micrococcaceae family. It is one of the three basic forms of bacteria, the other two being bacillus (rod-shaped) and spirillum (spiral-shaped). A pathogenic coccus can almost always be classified as either a staphylococcus (occurring in clusters), or a streptococcus (occurring in short or long chains). Both staphylococci and streptococci are gram-positive and do not form spores.
The staphylococci are responsible for many serious infections, especially Staphylococcus aureus, which is the causative agent in boils, abscesses, osteomyelitis, and a large variety of other infections. Staphylococci have received much attention in recent years because of the ability of most strains to develop a resistance to antibiotics.
The most dangerous streptococci are those of the beta-hemolytic type. Various species of streptococci cause sore throat, scarlet fever, mastoiditis, and septicemia.
The staphylococci are responsible for many serious infections, especially Staphylococcus aureus, which is the causative agent in boils, abscesses, osteomyelitis, and a large variety of other infections. Staphylococci have received much attention in recent years because of the ability of most strains to develop a resistance to antibiotics.
The most dangerous streptococci are those of the beta-hemolytic type. Various species of streptococci cause sore throat, scarlet fever, mastoiditis, and septicemia.
Cocci.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
coc·cus
, pl.coc·ci
(kok'ŭs, kok'sī), Avoid mispronouncing the plural form kok'ī.1. A bacterium of round, spheroid, or ovoid form.
2. Synonym(s): cochineal
[G. kokkos, berry]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
coccus
(kŏk′əs)n. pl. cocci (kŏk′sī, kŏk′ī)
A bacterium having a spherical or spheroidal shape.
coc′cal (kŏk′əl) adj.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
coc·cus
, pl. cocci (kokŭs, -sī)1. A bacterium of round, spheroid, or ovoid form.
2. Synonym(s): cochineal.
[G. kokkos, berry]
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
coccus
A common type of spherical or spheroidal bacterium. Cocci connected in line are called STREPTOCOCCI; those in bunches are called STAPHYLOCOCCI.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
coccus
a bacterium having a spherical or globular form.Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005
coc·cus
, pl. cocci (kokŭs, -sī)A bacterium of round, spheroid, or ovoid form.
[G. kokkos, berry]
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012