Bacillosis

/ˌbæsɪˈloʊsɪs/ noun

Definition

Any disease or condition caused by an infection with bacilli, especially rod-shaped bacteria.

Etymology

From bacillus + -osis (Greek -osis, a medical suffix indicating disease or abnormal condition). The -osis ending creates disease names tied to specific pathogens.

Kelly Says

Tuberculosis is historically the most important bacillosis, killing millions and reshaping entire societies before antibiotics became available in the 1940s and 50s.

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