Actinomyces is a term that is often heard in the field of microbiology. It is a type of bacteria that can cause infections in humans and animals. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of actinomyces, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of its usage.
Definitions
Actinomyces is a genus of bacteria that are gram-positive and anaerobic or microaerophilic. They are known for their ability to form branching filaments that resemble fungi. Actinomyces are commonly found in soil and are part of the normal flora of the human mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract.
Origin
The term actinomyces comes from the Greek words “aktis” meaning ray and “mykes” meaning fungus. The bacteria were first discovered in 1877 by James Israel, a German physician, who found them in a patient with a neck abscess. The bacteria were later named Actinomyces israelii in his honor.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, actinomyces is defined as “any of a genus (Actinomyces) of filamentous, anaerobic, gram-positive bacteria that are part of the normal flora of the mouth and throat and can cause disease especially in immunocompromised individuals.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines actinomyces as “a genus of gram-positive bacteria which form branching filaments and are found in soil and in the mouth and throat of humans and animals, some of which cause disease.”
Associations
Actinomyces can cause a variety of infections in humans and animals, including actinomycosis, a chronic bacterial infection that can affect the face, neck, chest, and abdomen. It can also cause infections in the lungs, bones, and brain.
Synonyms
There are no commonly used synonyms for actinomyces.
Antonyms
There are no commonly used antonyms for actinomyces.
The same root words
The word actinomyces is derived from the Greek words “aktis” meaning ray and “mykes” meaning fungus. Other words that share the same root words include actinobacteria, actinomycete, and actinomycin.
Example Sentences
- Actinomyces israelii is the most common cause of actinomycosis.
- The patient’s neck abscess was caused by actinomyces bacteria.
- Actinomyces are part of the normal flora of the human mouth.
- Treatment for actinomycosis usually involves long-term antibiotics.
- The soil sample contained several species of actinomyces bacteria.