Definition

A type of bacteria that is rod-shaped and does not move; some types can cause infections in the lungs and other parts of the body.

Example

Klebsiella pneumoniae is known to cause serious lung infections in patients with weakened immune systems.

Conversation

Have you heard about klebsiella bacteria?

Yeah, I read that they can cause infections in humans.

It's kind of scary how something so small can be dangerous.

Definitely! We should always wash our hands to stay safe.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Klebsiella is named after the German bacteriologist Edwin Klebs, who discovered the genus. The suffix '-ella' is a diminutive form in Latin, often used in biological taxonomy to denote a smaller or lesser form. Therefore, Klebsiella refers to a smaller or lesser form of the bacteria discovered by Klebs.

Memory Tip

Think of the name 'Klebs' as the person who discovered this type of bacteria, and the '-ella' ending suggests a smaller or lesser form, helping you remember that Klebsiella is a type of bacteria named after its discoverer.

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