What is the morphological classification of Corynebacterium diphtheriae?

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is classified as a Gram-positive, nonmotile rod. This distinction is significant because it helps in identifying the organism during laboratory diagnosis and understanding its biological behavior.

The Gram-positive classification means that when this bacterium is subjected to a Gram stain, it retains the crystal violet stain and appears purple under a microscope. This characteristic is due to the thick peptidoglycan layer present in its cell wall, which is a hallmark of Gram-positive bacteria.

The term "nonmotile" indicates that Corynebacterium diphtheriae does not have flagella and does not move actively by itself, which is an important trait when considering the bacterium's mode of transmission and its interaction with host organisms.

Understanding these morphological characteristics is essential for microbiologists when identifying pathogens and determining appropriate treatments or interventions for infections caused by this organism. It also helps in distinguishing Corynebacterium diphtheriae from other bacterial species that may share similar features but possess different motility or Gram characteristics.