Comma shaped bacteria is known as -

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Explanation

The term 'Vibrioid' or 'Vibrio' specifically refers to bacteria that have a curved or comma-like shape.
This distinct morphology is a key characteristic used in the identification of certain bacterial species.
A classic clinical example is Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, which exhibits this comma shape.

Option A: Spirilla are characterized by a rigid, helical (spiral) body, which is different from the single curve of a comma shape.
Option B: Helical is a general term describing a spiral or twisted shape. It is too broad and not specific to the 'comma' description, as it encompasses both spirilla and spirochetes.
Option D: Spirochetes are long, thin, and highly flexible bacteria with a distinct corkscrew-like shape and motility, which is structurally more complex than a simple comma shape.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Bacterial Morphology and Classification as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing bacterial morphology is a fundamental step in microbiology for identifying pathogens. The comma shape of Vibrio cholerae is a classic identifier seen in microscopic examination of stool samples from patients with suspected cholera.
This identification helps in the rapid diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment (rehydration therapy) and public health measures to control outbreaks.
What if? If a patient presented with severe watery diarrhea and a stool culture revealed comma-shaped, motile organisms, the immediate suspicion would be cholera, prompting urgent fluid and electrolyte replacement and notification of public health authorities. If the organisms were, for example, S-shaped or gull-winged, the suspicion might shift to Campylobacter infection.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on microbiology.
First, identify the key descriptor in the question stem, which is 'Comma shaped bacteria'.
Next, recall or deduce the specific scientific term for this shape from your knowledge of bacterial morphology.
Evaluate each option: 'Spirilla' and 'Spirochetes' are spiral, 'Helical' is a general term for spirals, and 'Vibrioid' specifically means comma-shaped.
Select 'Vibrioid' as it is the most precise and accurate match for the description provided.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qo26JAwFrh-V3LQcM1xQ-L

E6 Microbiology Applied AnjuDhir 3e Part 1 p. 54-56

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.