How Do You Spell MYCOBACTERIUM FORTUITUM?

1. Mycobacterium fortuitum is a species of bacteria that belongs to the genus Mycobacterium, which is characterized by its acid-fast staining property. This bacterium is classified as a non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and is often found in diverse environmental niches such as water, soil, and dust. It is considered an opportunistic pathogen, meaning that it primarily infects individuals with weakened immune systems or those who have undergone invasive medical procedures.

   The name "fortuitum" refers to the serendipitous discovery of this species, as it was initially encountered during routine laboratory procedures. This bacterium is categorized as a rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM), indicating its ability to form colonies relatively quickly compared to other mycobacteria.

   In terms of its pathogenicity, M. fortuitum can cause a variety of infections, most commonly skin and soft tissue infections. These infections typically occur following traumatic injuries, surgical procedures, or with the presence of foreign bodies such as prosthetic devices. In rare cases, it can also cause pulmonary infections, disseminated infections, osteomyelitis, and more.

   The diagnosis of M. fortuitum infection is made by culturing the bacteria from clinical samples and performing additional tests, such as nucleic acid amplification or molecular techniques, for species identification. Treatment usually involves the use of a combination of antibiotics, such as macrolides, fluoroquinolones, or tetracyclines, tailored to the sensitivity of the specific strain. However, the management of M. fortuitum infections can be challenging due to its intrinsic resistance to several antimicrobial agents. Regular follow-up and monitoring are crucial to ensure the complete eradication of the infection.

Common Misspellings for MYCOBACTERIUM FORTUITUM

The etymology of the word "Mycobacterium fortuitum" can be broken down as follows:

1. Mycobacterium: The word "mycobacterium" can be traced to two roots:

- "myco" comes from the Greek word "mukēs" (μύκης), meaning "fungus" or "mold".

- "bacterium" is derived from the Greek word "baktērion" (βακτήριον), meaning "small staff" or "rod-shaped".

Thus, "mycobacterium" refers to a genus of bacteria that have a rod-like shape similar to fungi.

2. Fortuitum: The term "fortuitum" is derived from the Latin word "fortuitus", which means "by chance", "accidental", or "unexpected".