Dictionary > Corynebacterium xerosis

Corynebacterium xerosis

Definition
Bacterial species characterized by being fermentative, Gram-positive, slightly curved rod-shape, typically lacking end swellings, and occurring as a commensal in human skin and conjunctival sac either singly or in pairs in the shapes of V or Y
Supplement
C. xerosis is a type of bacteria that is generally innocuous. However, it can grow prolifically in a compromised host and cause secondary infections, e.g. bacteremia, endocarditis, skin infections, pneumonia, and other illnesses. While C. xerosis rarely causes infections other Corynebacterium species are important agents of disease. One in particular is the more aggressive C. diphtheriae causing diphtheria.
C. xerosis is referred to as diphtheroid to tell it apart from C. diphtheriae. Diphtheroids do not usually form end swellings commonly observed in C. diphtheriae. In laboratory identification methods, C. xerosis is hemolysis(-), and metabolizes both glucose and sucrose. C. diphtheriae, in comparison, is hemolysis(+), and metabolizes glucose only, not sucrose.
Variant(s):

  • C. xerosis

Synonym(s):

  • diphtheroids
  • See also:

    • xerosis


    You will also like...

    Biological Viruses
    Biological Viruses

    Viruses possess both living and non-living characteristics. This unique feature distinguishes them from other organisms...

    Human gastrointestinal tract
    Human Biology – Food and Digestion

    This tutorial recognizes the importance of food as a source of energy that will fuel many biological processes. A good d..

    genes controlling growth and development
    Control of Growth & Development

    Control of Growth & Development tutorials look at how the genetic makeup determines the biological processes on a da..

    Adaptive Radiation
    Adaptive Radiation

    The diversification of several new species from a recent ancestral source, each adapted to utilize or occupy a vacant ad..

    DNA molecule
    Genetic Control – On and Off Genes

    Genes are the blueprint of our bodies, a blueprint that creates a variety of proteins essential to any organism's surviv..

    Pink Lotus plant on a pond
    Freshwater Lentic Communities & Animals

    This tutorial looks at some of the communities in freshwater lentic habitats. For instance, symbiosis occurs in a commun..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics