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to cap or not to cap Staphylococcus - starstruck

Posted: Nov 17, 2009

"The patient has staphylococcus/Staphylococcus." Should Staphylococcus be capitalized if used alone--no species with it? I know it's "staphylococcal," but not sure about this format. I would appreciate any help or a source where I can find the answer. Thanks!

staphylococcus - Horski

[ In Reply To ..]
If it is not specific, I would not capitalize. Not capitalized it is any organism of the genus. Dorland's Medical Dictionary

Cyber-hug to you, Horski (even though it's flu season) - starstruck

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you, thank you, thank you! The gist of the medical dictionaries I checked *seemed* to indicate that the genus wasn't capitalized unless it was followed by a particular species, but it is great to have an actual, real-life MT reaffirm this. Thanks so much!

You are too funny! - Horski

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm not afraid of the flu, but if my computer gets a virus, we might have to talk : )

another place to check - use this

[ In Reply To ..]
Pathology/Laboratory Words and Phrases book would also have the answer

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