Category: B

A surface antigen of the enterobacteriaceae which may mask the ‘0’ antigens of the bacterium on which they are situated.  

Bacteriological filters (candles) prepared from kieselguhr, a fossil diatomaceous earth. The pore size is relatively large, and three sizes are graded V, N and W (viel, normal, wenig)—coarse, normal and fine respectively—that is, in decending porosity. Serratia marcescens should be retained by even the V filter. The filters are moulded in the shape of a…

Irregular staining of bacteria (such as Myco. tuberculosis) giving alternate light and dark areas. Alternating stretches of dilation and stenosis within an artery, usually only seen during angiography.  

Organism of doubtful taxonomy (sometimes classified as Fusobacterium) causing necrosis in animals and occasionally in man. Long (40 -100 μm) Gram-negative filaments, strictly anaerobic.  

The organism associated with Borrelia vincentii in Vincent’s angina. Strictly anaerobic and difficult to cultivate. Also described as Fusobacterium fusiforme.  

The active components (antibody) of an immune serum which, combined with complement, result in the death of the homologous bacterium (and in the case of bacteriolysin, its destruction). The antibody is thought to sensitize the organisms, rendering them susceptible to the lethal action of complement.  

An antibiotic isolated from B. subtilis, active against Gram-positive bacteria and Neisserieae. Used to differentiate Group A streptococci (which are sensitive to it) from all other groups, which are not. An antibiotic produced by certain strains of bacteria and effective against a number of microorganisms. It is usually applied externally, to treat infections of the…

Non-pathogenic aerobic Gram-positive spore-bearing organism with an unusually high incubation temperature (45 – 60tl)—i.e., a thermophile. The spores are killed when subject to a temperature of 121°C for 12 minutes, and sporing cultures may be used for tests of autoclave efficiency. Bacillus stearothermophilus is responsible for ‘flat – sour’ spoilage of canned foods. A spore…

Non-pathogenic spore-bearing soil organism, of interest as the source of the antibiotics collectively styled polymyxins.  

Synonymous with Lactobacillus odontolyticus.