Hoffmann's Rod

Hoffmann's bacillus is a microorganism discovered by the Austrian bacteriologist Georg Hoffmann-Wellenhof in 1884. This is a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium that causes intestinal infections.

Hoffmann's bacillus is widespread in the environment and is often found in the intestines of humans and animals. It can cause acute intestinal diseases, especially in children - dysentery, enteritis, gastroenteritis. Infection occurs by consuming contaminated food or water.

Hoffmann's bacillus is a facultative anaerobe and is capable of reproducing in both the presence and absence of oxygen. It is stable in the external environment and can persist for a long time in water, soil, on various objects and food products.

To diagnose infections caused by Hoffmann's bacillus, bacteriological examination of feces and serological methods are used. Treatment is with antibiotics; severe forms may require hospitalization and infusion therapy.

Disease prevention includes observing the rules of personal and public hygiene, boiling water, and heat treatment of food products. Vaccines against Hoffmann's bacillus infections have not yet been developed.