Texas Class A Barber Written ExamSanitation, Disinfection, and SafetyEasy

Which of the following types of bacteria are spiraled or corkscrew-shaped and can cause diseases like syphilis?

  1. AStaphylococci
  2. BSpirilla
  3. CCocci
  4. DBacilli
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Spirilla

Spirilla are a classification of bacteria characterized by their spiral or corkscrew shape, and they include the pathogens responsible for diseases such as syphilis and Lyme disease.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Staphylococci are a specific type of cocci (round bacteria) that grow in clusters.
  • C. Cocci are round-shaped bacteria.
  • D. Bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria.

Bacterial Shapes

Bacteria are classified into three main shapes: Cocci (round), Bacilli (rod), and Spirilla (spiral).

  • Cocci: spherical, can cause strep throat.
  • Bacilli: rod-shaped, can cause tetanus, tuberculosis.
  • Spirilla: spiral/corkscrew, can cause syphilis, Lyme disease.

Memory trick: Shapes inform us of bacterial groups.

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