Koch's, referring to Koch's bacillus, denotes a specific bacterium. Specifically, it is the scientific name for a particular strain of Mycobacterium, known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is the primary cause of human tuberculosis.
Understanding Koch's Bacillus
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mycobacterium tuberculosis |
| Genus | Mycobacterium |
| Disease Caused | Tuberculosis (TB) in humans |
Key Aspects of Koch's Bacillus
- Pathogen: Koch's bacillus is a pathogenic bacterium, meaning it has the ability to cause disease.
- Transmission: The bacillus is primarily spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
- Global Impact: Tuberculosis, caused by Koch's bacillus, remains a significant global health challenge.
- Treatment: Antibiotics are the main treatment for tuberculosis.
- Discovery: Robert Koch is credited with discovering this bacterium, hence the name "Koch's" bacillus.
Conclusion
In summary, "Koch's" refers to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for causing tuberculosis in humans.
