Influence of microorganisms

Microorganisms and their Scientific Names

Have you ever wondered which of the millions of bacteria are the greatest concern to humans? This list of scientific names of common bacteria provides basic information about the most common bacteria that can be harmful to humans.

• The Most Common Bacteria

  There are many types of bacteria, and scientists have spent many years culturing and studying their properties. The scientific name for the most common bacteria is Escherichia coli. E. coli was discovered by Theodore Escherich. This bacterium is found in the intestinal tract of every individual and helps breakdown food. It is also found in hot springs and radioactive waste, so it can exist in widely diverse environments. E. coli are highly concentrated in stool and can contaminate the urinary tract, resulting in infection. E. coli have a Gram- negative rod.

• Staphylococci

  The scientific name for the bacteria that are found on skin and other mucus membranes is Staphylococcus. Staphylococci have two varieties, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Staph epidermidis is found on skin and mucus membranes and does not typically cause disease. It does need to be distinguished in the laboratory from Staph aureus, however, which can cause serious infections. Staph aureus is present in the nasal passages, as well as the skin. The color of Staph aureus is golden yellow on blood agar, which is why it is named "aureus." Staph epidermidis grows white colonies on blood agar. Staph epidermidis is named for its predominant presence on the skin.

• Streptococci

  There are several varieties of Streptococci. Streptococci pyogenes is a Group A Strep, which can cause sore throat, particularly when an individual's immune system is depressed. Another variation is Streptococci pneumonia, which can cause pneumonia and other respiratory problems. Streptococci are distinguished by their hemolytic action on blood agar. Group A Strep cause a breakdown in blood, giving a clear area around the colony growing on blood agar. These are called beta-hemolytic strep.

• Salmonella and Shigella

  Salmonella species and Shigella species inhabit the rectum and stool. They are often found as contaminants in food or acquired by handling animal manure. Salmonella is found in raw chicken and eggs and is a major source of food poisoning. Shigella can attach to the intestinal wall, causing bleeding. Both Salmonella and Shigella infections can cause severe diarrhea. These are easily transmitted person-to-person, so handwashing is essential.

  Salmonella was named after the man who discovered it, Daniel Salmon. Shigella derives its name from a Japanese microbiologist, Kiyoshi Shiga. Salmonella and Shigella are both Gram-negative rods.

• Campylobacter

  Another bacteria that can cause severe diahrrea is Campylobacter. Patient stool specimens cotaining these bacteria will be liquid and may have blood in them. Campylobacter is a curved-shaped Gram-negative organism.

• Klebsiella Pneumonia

  Klebsiella species is a Gram-negative rod and is often found in hospital patients. Klebsiella pneumonia affects the lungs and can cause pneumonia.

• Proteus

  Proteus are Gram-negative rods that are commonly found in the intestinal tract, along with E. coli. Proteus mirabilis is prolific in soil and water and can become infective when an open sore or cut becomes dirty.

• Pseudomonas Aeruginosa