|
|
Medical Definition of Leptotrichia
1. A genus of anaerobic, nonmotile bacteria containing Gram-negative, straight or slightly curved rods, 5 to 15 um in length, with one or both ends rounded, often pointed. Granules are distributed evenly along the long axis, and one or more large granules may localise near the end of the cell. Branched or clubbed forms do not occur. Two or more cells join together and form septate filaments of varying length; in older cultures, filaments up to 200 um may form and twist around each other; large, coccoid bodies may be found within a filament as a cell lyses. Carbon dioxide is essential for optimal growth. Lactic acid is produced from glucose. These organisms occur in the oral cavity of humans. The type species is Leptotrichia buccalis. Origin: Lepto-+ G. Thrix, hair Leptotrichia buccalis, a species found in the human mouth; it is the type species of the genus Leptotrichia. (05 Mar 2000)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Leptotrichia
Other Resources:
