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

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

According to the hypothesis, infected ship rats landed in the New World and excreted leptospira, infecting raccoons, mink, and muskrats whose urine further contaminated any standing fresh water.

From Slate • Nov. 20, 2012

Tokyo researchers recently captured rats and compared the leptospira strains they carried to those infecting 16 city residents over five years.

From Slate • Nov. 20, 2012

A recent analysis concludes the culprit was a disease called leptospirosis, caused by leptospira bacteria.

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