"Spirillum of Gamaleia" is a specific term used in microbiology and immunology to refer to a bacterium called Spirillum minus, which was discovered and named by Daniel Gamaleia, a Russian physician and researcher, in the late 19th century. This bacterium belongs to the Spirillum genus, which is characterized by their spiral-shaped morphology and motility through the use of flagella.
Spirillum of Gamaleia is a gram-negative bacterium and is known to cause a disease called spirillary rat-bite fever (also known as Sodoku). This infectious disease primarily affects rodents, such as rats and mice, but can also be transmitted to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with contaminated materials. The bacteria enters the body through broken skin and can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, chills, joint pain, rash, and inflammation at the site of the wound. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as abscesses, septicemia, and even death if left untreated.
Diagnosis of Spirillum of Gamaleia infection is typically performed through laboratory tests, including microscopic examination of samples, culturing the bacterium, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Treatment usually involves antibiotics such as penicillin, doxycycline, or erythromycin administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Understanding and studying the Spirillum of Gamaleia is essential not only for diagnosing and treating infections but also for preventive measures to control the transmission of this bacterium and prevent outbreaks, particularly in areas where rodents are prevalent.
