Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

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What type of bacteria is referred to as a streptobacillus?

  1. Spiral shaped

  2. Single, rod-shaped

  3. Rod-shaped in chains

  4. Grape-like clusters

The correct answer is: Rod-shaped in chains

The term "streptobacillus" describes a specific arrangement of bacteria that are elongated and rod-shaped, which typically form in chains. The prefix "strepto-" indicates the formation of chains, while "bacillus" refers to the rod shape of the bacteria. When we consider the characteristics of bacterial morphology, streptobacilli can be distinguished from other shapes. For example, spiral-shaped bacteria are referred to as spirilla or spirochetes, and those that grow in grape-like clusters are called staphylococci. Single rod-shaped bacteria stand alone without forming chains or clusters. Thus, understanding the terminology helps clarify that streptobacilli are indeed rod-shaped organisms that connect in a chain-like formation, making the identification and classification of these bacteria straightforward based on their arrangement.