Corynebacteriales is an order of bacteria that includes various genera, such as Corynebacterium and Mycobacterium. These bacteria are characterized by their rod-shaped structure and often form clusters resembling Chinese letters. They are commonly found in soil, water, and as part of the normal flora in humans and animals.
Some members of the Corynebacteriales order are important in medicine, as they can cause diseases like diphtheria, which is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Others, like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are responsible for tuberculosis. Understanding this order is crucial for public health and microbiology.