Coccus

From Free net encyclopedia

Image:Staphylococcus aureus Gram.jpg Cocci (singular - coccus, from the latin word "kokkus" meaning "a berry") are any spherical or near spherical bacteria. Contradicting the latin word "coccus," streptococcus does not come from berries. It was named in this manner because of the bacteria's shape. When coccus-bacteria are formed in pairs they are known as diplococcus, in beadlike chains as streptococcus, in grapelike clusters as staphylococcus, and in groups of eight as sarcina.

Some diseases that can be caused by coccus-type bacteria are staphylococci infections, food poisoning, urinary tract infection, toxic shock syndrome, meningitis, gonorrhea, throat infection, pneumonia, sinusitis

Template:Bacteria-stubde:Kokken fr:Cocci nl:Kokken ja:球菌 pt:Coco (bactéria)