What term is used for rod-shaped bacteria?

Bacilli refer to rod-shaped bacteria and are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical shape. This morphological classification is crucial in microbiology because the shape of bacteria can influence their movement, reproduction, and the types of environments in which they thrive. Bacilli can be found as singular cells, in pairs (diplobacilli), or in chains (streptobacilli), and they encompass a broad range of species, including both pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms.

In contrast to bacilli, cocci refer to spherical-shaped bacteria, spirilla are spiral-shaped bacteria, and vibrios are comma-shaped bacteria. Each of these shapes is associated with different characteristics and behaviors of the bacteria, but when specifically identifying rod-shaped bacteria, the term bacilli is the appropriate choice.