Klebs-Löffler bacillus

[ klebz-lef-ler; German kleyps-lœf-luhr ]

noun

1. a bacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which causes diphtheria.

Klebs-Löffler bacillus

/ ˈklɛbzˈlʌflə; ˈkleːpsˈlœflər /

noun

1. a rodlike Gram-positive bacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, that causes diphtheria: family Corynebacteriaceae.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Klebs-Löffler bacillus¹

First recorded in 1890–95; named after E. Klebs and F. A. J. Löffler ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of Klebs-Löffler bacillus¹

C19: named after Edwin Klebs (1834–1913) and Friedrich A. J. Löffler (1852–1915), German bacteriologists

Example Sentences

Children are far more susceptible than adults, but even children may have the Klebs-Loffler bacillus in their throats without showing any symptoms of illness.

From Project Gutenberg

Our knowledge of the precise cause of diphtheria, the Klebs-Löffler bacillus, has furnished us not only with the cure, but also with the means of preventing its spread.

From Project Gutenberg

Diphtheria is an acute infective disease due to the action of a specific bacterium, the bacillus diphtheriæ or Klebs-Löffler bacillus.

From Project Gutenberg

Diagnosis.—The finding of the Klebs-Löffler bacillus is the only conclusive evidence of the disease.

From Project Gutenberg