How Do You Spell MYCOBACTERIUM HEMOPHILUM?

1. Mycobacterium hemophilum is a non-tuberculous mycobacterium species that is classified within the Mycobacterium genus. It is an acid-fast, rod-shaped bacterium that appears thin and elongated under microscopic observation. M. hemophilum is known for its fastidious growth requirements and hemophilic nature, meaning it has a specific nutritional requirement for certain factors found in blood.

   This bacterium primarily causes infections in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with advanced HIV infection or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy following organ transplantation. It commonly presents as a skin or soft tissue infection, with symptoms including reddish-purple lesions, erythema, swelling, tenderness, and raised skin nodules. However, disseminated infection can also occur, affecting multiple organs throughout the body.

   The transmission of M. hemophilum remains unclear, but it is hypothesized that it may occur through contact with contaminated water, soil or animals, such as fish or reptiles. Laboratory diagnosis of M. hemophilum infections typically involves the culture of clinical specimens, such as tissue biopsies or skin scrapings, on specific growth media with the necessary blood additives. Identification of M. hemophilum is confirmed through various techniques, including molecular methods and DNA sequencing.

   Treatment of M. hemophilum infections often involves a combination of antimicrobial agents, such as clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, or doxycycline, for an extended duration. As M. hemophilum exhibits intrinsic resistance to certain antibiotics commonly used against tuberculosis, appropriate and timely identification of this bacterium is essential for effective treatment and management of infections.

Common Misspellings for MYCOBACTERIUM HEMOPHILUM

The word Mycobacterium hemophilum is derived from the Greek roots myco- meaning fungus, bacterium meaning bacterium, hemo- meaning blood, and -philum meaning loving.

- Mycobacterium is a genus of bacteria consisting of acid-fast, rod-shaped organisms. The term myco- refers to the resemblance of these bacteria to fungi due to their ability to produce filamentous structures.

- Hemophilum is derived from the Greek root hemo- meaning blood and -philum meaning loving. It refers to the bacterium's preference for growing in blood and its ability to cause infections in the blood of humans and animals.

Therefore, the term Mycobacterium hemophilum can be translated as a fungus-like bacterium that loves blood.