What shape is Salmonella typhi?

Salmonella typhi is classified as a rod-shaped bacterium, which is a characteristic feature of the genus Salmonella. This shape is significant because it influences the bacterium's behavior, reproduction, and how it interacts with its environment. The rod shape allows for a larger surface area compared to cocci (spherical) or spiral bacteria, which can facilitate nutrient absorption and motility.

Understanding the morphology of pathogens like Salmonella typhi is essential in microbiology and food safety, as it helps in identifying the organism under a microscope and determining its potential for causing foodborne illness. The other shapes, such as spiral, cocci, or curved, do not accurately describe this bacterium, which is crucial for accurate identification and understanding of its behavior in foodborne illness contexts.