leptospira

American  

[lep-tuh-spahy-ruh] / ˌlɛp təˈspaɪ rə /

noun

Bacteriology.

plural

leptospirae, leptospiras

1. any of several spirally shaped, aerobic bacteria of the genus Leptospira, certain species of which are pathogenic for human beings.

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Other Word Forms

• leptospiral adjective

Etymology

Origin of leptospira

< New Latin (1917), equivalent to lepto- lepto- + Latin spīra coil; see spire ²

Example Sentences

Although free-living, nonpathogenic bacteria from the same family as leptospira survive in Cape Cod and likely can outlast a New England winter, it’s not the ideal condition for the deadly forms of lepto.

From Slate • Nov. 20, 2012

In rare cases, leptospira can enter the brain and cause aseptic meningitis.

From Slate • Nov. 20, 2012

Like Pilgrims in the New World, leptospira must first penetrate the host.

From Slate • Nov. 20, 2012

A robust immune response can actually be detrimental because the more leptospira get blown to smithereens, the more bacteria bits are floating about to activate the immune system.

From Slate • Nov. 20, 2012

Subsequently the arguments were substantiated by Drs. Sellard and Theiler who proved that Noguchi's leptospira gave the same reactions as the germ of Weil's Disease.

From Time Magazine Archive