Hemoglobinophilic Bacteria

bacteria of the genus Hemophilus, whose life depends on the presence of a substance similar to hemoglobin (x factor) in the environment; nonmotile rods (1-1.5 microns long) that do not form spores. The genus Hemophilus embraces the causative agents of influenza (bacterial grippe), swine influenza, chancroid, and other diseases. Some bacterial species of other genera (such as the causative agent of whooping cough) also grow better in the presence of the x factor.