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233 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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adaptive immunity |
Immune responses activated by a specific antigen and mediated by B cells and T cells. (page 936)
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alveolar macrophage
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A type of macrophage, located in the lung alveoli, that phagocytoses foreign material. (page 944) |
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anaphylatoxin
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A substance produced as a result of the complement cascade that can trigger degranulation of endothelial cells, mast cells, or phagocytes. (page 957)
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antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC)
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The process by which natural killer cells destroy viral protein expressing antibody-coated host cells. (page 954)
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antigen
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A compound, recognized as foreign by the cell, that elicits an adaptive immune response. See also immunogen. (page 936)
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antigen-presenting cell (APC)
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An immune cell that can process antigens into antigenic determinants and display those determinants on the cell surface for recognition by other immune cells. (page 939)
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autophagy
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Eukaryotic cell function normally used to degrade damaged organelles. Also used to kill intracellular pathogens. (page 952)
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B cell
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An adaptive immune cell, developed in bone marrow tissue, that can give rise to antibody-producing cells. (page 941)
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bacteremia
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A bacterial infection of the blood. (page 930)
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basophil
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A white blood cell, stained by basic dyes, that secretes compounds that aid innate immunity. (page 938)
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bioburden
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The number of microorganisms found in a pharmaceutical product or in a body part. (page 926)
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bradykinin
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A cell signaling molecule that promotes extravasation, activates mast cells, and stimulates pain perception. (page 948)
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C-reactive protein
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A peptide that stimulates the complement cascade, induced by cytokines in the liver. Elevated levels in the blood may be associated with heart disease. (page 957)
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chemokine
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An attractant for white blood cells that is produced by damaged tissues. (page 948)
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chronic inflammation
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Inflammation that has persisted over long periods of time, usually months or years. (page 949)
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commensal organism
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An organism that benefits from, but neither helps nor harms, its host. In medical usage, some commensals benefit the host. Commensal organisms are normally found at various nonsterile host body sites. (page 926)
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complement
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Innate immunity proteins in the blood that form holes in bacterial membranes, killing the bacteria. (page 936)
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compromised host
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An animal with a weakened immune system. (page 934)
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cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)
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A chloride channel found in respiratory epithelia. Mutations in the CFTR gene lead to cystic fibrosis. (page 944)
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cytokine
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A small, secreted host protein that binds to receptors on various endothelial and immune system cells, regulating the cells' responses. (page 935)
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defensin
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A type of small, positively charged peptide, produced by animal tissues, that destroys the cell membranes of invading microbes. (page 945)
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degranulate
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To release antimicrobial granule contents by fusing granule membranes to cytoplasmic or vacuolar membranes. (page 946)
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dendritic cell
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An antigen-presenting white blood cell that primarily takes up small soluble antigens from its surroundings. (page 939)
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enterotoxin
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A protein that damages the intestine of the host and causes diarrhea; produced by some Gram-negative pathogens. (page 935)
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eosinophil
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A white blood cell that stains with the acidic dye eosin and secretes compounds that facilitate innate immunity. (page 938)
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epidermis
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The outer protective cell layer in most multicellular animals. (page 928)
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extravasation
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Also called diapedesis. The movement of cells of the immune system out of blood vessels and into surrounding infected tissue. (page 947)
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gnotobiotic animal
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An animal that is germ-free or colonized by a known set of microbes. (page 935)
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granuloma
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A thick lesion formed around a site of infection. (page 949)
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gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)
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Lymphatic tissues such as tonsils and adenoids that are found in conjunction with the gastrointestinal tract and contain immune cells. (page 944)
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immune system
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An organism's cellular defense system against pathogens. (page 935)
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immunomodulin
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A protein made by normal microbiota that influences the host immune response by modifying the secretion of host proteins, such as a cytokine. (page 935)
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inflammasome
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A cytoplasmic multiprotein complex that promotes the maturation of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Inflammasome assembly is triggered by NLR interactions with MAMPs. (page 954)
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innate immunity
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Also called innate immunity. Nonspecific mechanisms for protecting against pathogens. (page 936)
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interferon
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A host-secreted immunomodulatory protein that inhibits viral replication. (page 953)
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interleukin 1 (IL-1)
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A cytokine release by macrophages. (page 948)
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Langerhans cell
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A specialized, phagocytic dendritic cell that is the predominant cell type in skin-associated lymphatic tissue. (page 943)
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lymph node
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A secondary lymphatic organ, formed by the convergence of lymphatic vessels, that traps foreign particles from local tissue and presents them to resident immune cells. (page 942)
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lymphocyte
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A mononuclear leukocyte (white blood cell) that is a product of lymphoid tissue and participates in immunity (e.g., B cell and T cell). (page 940)
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M cell
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A phagocytic innate immune cell (microfold cell) found between intestinal epithelial cells. (page 944)
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macrophage
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A mononuclear, phagocytic, antigen-presenting cell of the immune system. (page 939)
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major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
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Transmembrane cell proteins important for recognizing self and for presenting foreign antigens to the adaptive immune system. (page 953)
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mast cell
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A white blood cell that secretes proteins that aid innate immunity. Mast cells reside in connective tissues and mucosa and do not circulate in the bloodstream. (page 938)
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membrane attack complex (MAC)
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A cell-destroying pore produced in the membrane of invading bacteria by the host cell complement cascade. (page 956)
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metagenome
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The sum of genomes of all members of a community of organisms. (page 926)
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microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP)
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Formerly called pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP). Molecules associated with groups of microbes, both pathogenic and nonpathogenic, that are recognized by cells of the innate immune system. (page 944)
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microbiome
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The total community of microbes found within a specified environment. (page 926)
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microbiota
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The normally occurring microbes of a body part or an environmental habitat. (page 926)
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monocyte
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A white blood cell with a single nucleus that can differentiate into a macrophage or a dendritic cell. (page 939)
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mucociliary elevator
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The ciliated mucous lining of the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles that sweeps foreign particles up and away from the lungs. (page 930)
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nasopharynx
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The passage leading from the nose to the oral cavity. (page 929)
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neutrophil
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A white blood cell of the innate immune system that can phagocytose and kill microbes. (page 937)
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neutrophil extracellular trap (NET)
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A net of chromatin and antimicrobial peptides expelled by dying neutrophils to trap and injure nearby pathogenic bacteria. (page 938)
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NOD-like receptor (NLR)
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A eukaryotic cytoplasmic protein that recognizes particular MAMPs present on microorganisms. (page 954)
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nonadaptive immunity
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Also called nonadaptive immunity. Nonspecific mechanisms for protecting against pathogens. (page 936)
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opportunistic pathogen
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A microbe that normally is not pathogenic but can cause infection or disease in an immunocompromised host organism. (page 934)
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opsonin
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An antibody that renders its target (e.g., bacteria) susceptible to phagocytosis. (page 957)
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opsonization
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The coating of pathogens with antibodies that aid pathogen phagocytosis by innate immune cells. (page 951)
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oropharynx
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The area between the soft palate and the upper edge of the epiglottis. (page 929)
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oxidative burst
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A large increase in the oxygen consumption of immune cells during phagocytosis of pathogens as the immune cells produce oxygen radicals to kill the pathogen. (page 952)
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perforin
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A cytotoxic protein, secreted by T cells, that forms pores in target cell membranes. (page 954)
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phagosome
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A large intracellular vesicle that forms as a result of phagocytosis. (page 938)
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platelet
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A small, anucleate cell fragment found in blood that is involved in clotting. (pages 939, 942)
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probiotic
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A food or nutritional supplement that contains live microorganisms and aims to improve health by promoting beneficial bacteria. (page 933)
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pyrogen
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Any substance that induces fever. (page 958)
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reticuloendothelial system
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A collection of cells that can phagocytose and sequester extracellular material. (page 939)
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selectin
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One of a family of cell adhesion molecules. (page 948)
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skin-associated lymphoid tissue (SALT)
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Immune cells, such as dendritic cells, located under the skin that help eliminate bacteria that have breached the skin surface. (page 943)
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T cell
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An adaptive immune cell, developed in the thymus, that can give rise to antigen-specific helper cells and cytotoxic T cells. (page 941)
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tight junction
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A type of junction between the membranes of two adjacent vertebrate cells that form an impermeable barrier. (page 943)
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Toll-like receptor (TLR)
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A member of a eukaryotic transmembrane glycoprotein family that recognizes a particular microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP) present on pathogenic microorganisms. (page 954)
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tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)
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A cytokine involved in systemic inflammation. (page 948)
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vasoactive factor
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A cell signaling molecule that increases capillary permeability. (page 947)
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virome
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The genomes of all the viruses that inhabit a particular organism or environment. (page 928)
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white blood cell (WBC) differential
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A laboratory test that counts the different types of white blood cells in a patient's blood. (page 940) |
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Term
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Description
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adaptive immunity
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Immune responses activated by a specific antigen and mediated by B cells and T cells. (page 962)
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adenylate cyclase
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An enzyme that converts ATP into cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). (page 996)
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affinity maturation
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The process by which the antigen-binding site of an antibody gains increased affinity for its target antigen or epitope. (page 981)
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allergen
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An antigen that causes an allergic hypersensitivity reaction. (page 995)
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allotype
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An amino acid difference in the antibody constant region that distinguishes different individuals within a species. (page 971)
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anaphylaxis
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A severe type I hypersensitivity reaction caused by chemically induced contraction of smooth muscles and dilation of capillaries. (page 996)
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antibody
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A host defense protein produced by B cells in response to a specific antigenic determinant. Antibodies, a type of immunoglobulin, bind to their corresponding antigenic determinants. (page 963)
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antigen
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A compound, recognized as foreign by the cell, that elicits an adaptive immune response. See also immunogen. (page 963)
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antigen-presenting cell (APC)
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An immune cell that can process antigens into antigenic determinants and display those determinants on the cell surface for recognition by other immune cells. (pages 963, 982)
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antigenic determinant
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Also called epitope. A small segment of an antigen that is capable of eliciting an immune response. An antigen can have many different antigenic determinants. (page 963)
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autoimmune response
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A pathology caused by lymphocytes that can react to self antigens. (page 999)
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B-cell receptor (BCR)
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A B-cell membrane protein complex containing an antibody in association with the Igα and Igβ immunoglobulins. (page 975)
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B-cell tolerance
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The exposure of B cells to a high antigen dose, preventing future antibody production against that antigen. (page 965)
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capping
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The clustering of B-cell receptor molecules on the surface of B cells after binding antigens or epitopes. (page 976)
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cell-mediated immunity
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A type of adaptive immunity employing mainly T-cell lymphocytes. (page 963)
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class I MHC molecule
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Membrane surface protein on all nucleated cells of the human body (absent from red blood cells and platelets) that present foreign antigen epitopes to cytotoxic T cells. Cytoplasmic antigens are loaded. (page 983)
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class II MHC molecule
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Membrane surface protein on antigen-presenting cells (dendritic cells, macrophages) and lymphocytes that present foreign antigen epitopes to helper T cells. Antigens are loaded after phagocytosis. (page 983)
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class switching
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Also called isotype switching. A change in the predominant antibody isotype produced by a cell. (page 974)
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classical complement pathway
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An antibody-mediated pathway for complement activation. (page 992)
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clonal
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Giving rise to a population of genetically identical cells, all descendants of a single cell. (page 963)
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clonal selection
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The rapid proliferation of a subset of B cells during the primary or secondary antibody response. (page 975)
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constant region
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The region of an antibody that defines the class of a heavy chain or a light chain. (page 970)
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cytokine
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A small, secreted host protein that binds to receptors on various endothelial and immune system cells, regulating the cells' responses. (page 980)
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cytotoxic T cell (TC cell)
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A T cell that expresses CD8 on its cell surface and can secrete toxic proteins such as perforin and granzymes. (page 982)
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decay-accelerating factor
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A host cell membrane protein that stimulates the decay of complement factors and prevents their deposition at the cell surface. (page 993)
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delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH)
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Also called type IV hypersensitivity (DTH). An immune response that develops 24–72 hours after exposure to an antigen that the immune system recognizes as foreign. The response is triggered by antigen-specific T cells. It is delayed because the T cells need time to proliferate after being activated by the allergen. (page 998)
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desensitization
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A clinical treatment to decrease allergic reactions by exposing patients to small doses of an allergen. (page 997)
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edema
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Tissue swelling due to fluid accumulation. (page 996)
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epitope
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Also called antigenic determinant. A small segment of an antigen that is capable of eliciting an immune response. An antigen can have many different antigenic determinants. (page 963)
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equivalence
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The antigen/antibody ratio that leads to immunoprecipitation of large, insoluble complexes. (page 970)
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factor H
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A normal serum protein that prevents the inadvertent activation of complement in the absence of infection. (page 993)
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Fc region
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The region of an antibody that binds to specific receptors on host cells in an antigen-independent manner. It is found in the carboxy-terminal "tail" region of the antibody. (page 971)
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gene switching
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Switching between two (out of five) different classes of immunoglobulin genes (e.g., from IgM to IgG) during B-cell development. (page 978)
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granzyme
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An enzyme, secreted by cytotoxic T cells, that damages target cells. (page 988)
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hapten
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A small compound that must be conjugated to a larger carrier antigen in order to elicit production of an antibody that binds to it. (page 967)
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heavy chain
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The larger of the two protein types comprising an antibody. Each antibody contains two heavy chains and two light chains. (page 969)
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helper T cell (TH cell)
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A T cell that expresses CD4 on its cell surface and secretes cytokines that modulate B-cell isotype, or class, switching. (page 980)
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humoral immunity
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A type of adaptive immunity mediated by antibodies. (page 963)
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idiotype
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An amino acid difference in the antigen-binding site (N terminus of heavy or light chains) that distinguishes different antibodies within an individual. (page 971)
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immediate hypersensitivity
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Also called type I hypersensitivity. An IgE-mediated allergic reaction that causes degranulation of mast cells within minutes of exposure to the antigen. The severe reaction known as anaphylaxis is triggered by type I hypersensitivity. (page 996)
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immunogen
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An antigen that, by itself, can elicit antibody production. (pages 963, 967)
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immunogenicity
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A measure of the effectiveness of an antigen in eliciting an immune response. (page 965)
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immunoglobulin
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A member of a family of proteins that contain a 110-amino-acid domain with an internal disulfide bond. Members include antibodies and major histocompatibility proteins. (page 968)
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IgA
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An antibody isotype that contains the alpha heavy chain. It can be secreted and found in tears, saliva, breast milk, and so on. (page 972)
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IgD
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An antibody isotype that contains the delta heavy chain. It is found on B-cell membranes. (page 972)
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IgE
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An antibody isotype that contains the epsilon heavy chain. It is involved in degranulation of mast cells. (page 973)
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IgG
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An antibody isotype that contains the gamma heavy chain. It is found in serum. (page 972)
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IgM
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The first antibody isotype detected during the early stages of an immune response. It contains the mu heavy chain and is found as a pentamer in serum. (page 972)
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immunological specificity
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The ability of antibodies produced in response to a particular epitope to bind that epitope almost exclusively. Antibodies made to one epitope bind only weakly, if at all, to other epitopes. (page 966)
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immunoprecipitation
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The antibody-mediated cross-linking of antigens to form large, insoluble complexes. Immunoprecipitation is used in research labs and is normally seen only in vitro. (page 969)
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isotype
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A species-specific antibody class, defined by the structure of the heavy chain. IgG, IgA, and IgE are examples of isotypes. (page 971)
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isotype switching
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Also called class switching. A change in the predominant antibody isotype produced by a cell. (page 974)
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late-phase anaphylaxis
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Anaphylaxis caused by leukotrienes released by eosinophils recruited by mast cells. (page 997)
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light chain
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The smaller of the two protein types comprising an antibody. Each antibody contains two heavy chains and two light chains. (page 969)
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major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
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Transmembrane cell proteins important for recognizing self and for presenting foreign antigens to the adaptive immune system. (pages 965, 982)
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memory B cell
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A long-lived type of lymphocyte preprogrammed to produce a specific antibody. After encountering their activating antigen, memory B cells differentiate into antibody-producing plasma cells. (page 974)
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MHC
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Transmembrane cell proteins important for recognizing self and for presenting foreign antigens to the adaptive immune system. (page 986)
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mucosal immunity
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The portion of the innate and adaptive immune systems that protects the mucosa from microbial invasion. (page 981)
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negative selection
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In immunology, the destruction of T cells bearing T-cell receptors (TCRs) that bind strongly to self MHC proteins displayed on thymus epithelial cells. (page 986)
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opsonize
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To bind IgG antibodies to microbes in order to enhance microbial phagocytosis by host immune cells. (page 972)
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perforin
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A cytotoxic protein, secreted by T cells, that forms pores in target cell membranes. (page 988)
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plasma cell
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A short-lived antibody-producing cell. (page 974)
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positive selection
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In immunology, the survival of T cells bearing T-cell receptors (TCRs) that don't recognize self MHC proteins displayed on thymus epithelial cells. (page 986)
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primary antibody response
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The production of antibodies upon first exposure to a particular antigen. B cells become activated and differentiate into plasma cells and memory B cells. (page 974)
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recombination signal sequence (RSS)
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A DNA region downstream of antibody heavy- and light-chain genes that allows recombination between widely separated gene segments. (page 978)
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regulatory T cell (Treg)
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A T cell that regulates the activity of another T cell, usually by suppressing its activity. (pages 986, 994)
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secondary antibody response
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A memory B cell–mediated rapid increase in the production of antibodies in response to a repeat exposure to a particular antigen. (page 974)
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serum
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The noncell, liquid component of the blood. (page 974)
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superantigen
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A molecule that directly stimulates T cells without undergoing antigen-presenting cell processing and surface presentation. (page 989)
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switch region
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A repeating DNA sequence interspersed between antibody constant-region genes that serves as a recombination site during isotype, or class, switching. (page 981)
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threshold dose
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The concentration of antigen needed to elicit adequate antibody production. (page 965)
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tumor necrosis factor (TNF)
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A cytokine released by several cell types (e.g., macrophages) in response to cell damage. (page 989)
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type I hypersensitivity
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Also called immediate hypersensitivity. An IgE-mediated allergic reaction that causes degranulation of mast cells within minutes of exposure to the antigen. The severe reaction known as anaphylaxis is triggered by type I hypersensitivity. (page 996)
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type II hypersensitivity
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An immune response in which antibodies bind to the patient's own cell-surface antigens or to foreign antigens adsorbed onto the patients cells. Antibody binding triggers cell-mediated cytotoxicity or activation of the complement cascade. (page 999)
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type III hypersensitivity
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An immune reaction triggered when IgG antibody binds to an excess of soluble foreign antigen in the blood. The immune complexes deposit in small blood vessels, where they interact with complement to initiate an inflammatory response. (page 999)
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type IV hypersensitivity
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Also called delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH). An immune response that develops 24–72 hours after exposure to an antigen that the immune system recognizes as foreign. The response is triggered by antigen-specific T cells. It is delayed because the T cells need time to proliferate after being activated by the allergen. (page 998)
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vaccination
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Exposure of an individual to a weakened version of a microbe or a microbial antigen to provoke immunity and prevent development of disease upon reexposure. (page 966) |
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variable region
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The amino-terminal portions of antibody light and heavy chains that confer specificity to antigen binding and define the antibody idiotype. (page 971) |
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adhesin
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Any cell-surface factor that promotes attachment of an organism to a substrate. (page 1013)
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ADP-ribosyltransferase
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A bacterial toxin that enzymatically transfers the ADP-ribose group from NAD+ to target proteins, altering the target protein's structure and function. (page 1022)
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autophagy
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Eukaryotic cell function normally used to degrade damaged organelles. Also used to kill intracellular pathogens. (page 1042)
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ectoparasite
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A harmful organism that colonizes the surface of a host. (page 1005)
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edema factor (EF)
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A component of anthrax toxin with adenylate cyclase activity. (page 1025)
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endoparasite
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A harmful organism that lives inside a host. (page 1005)
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endotoxin
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A lipopolysaccharide in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria that becomes toxic to the host after the bacterial cell has lysed. (page 1018)
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exotoxin
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A protein toxin, secreted by bacteria, that kills or damages host cells. (page 1018)
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facultative intracellular pathogen
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A pathogen that can live either inside host cells or outside host cells. (page 1038)
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fimbria pl. fimbriae
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Also called pilus. A straight protein filament composed of a tube of protein monomers that extend from the bacterial cell envelope. (page 1013)
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fomite
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An inanimate object on which pathogens can be transmitted from one host to another. (page 1007)
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genomic island
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A region of DNA sequence whose properties indicate that it has been transferred from another genome. Usually comprises a set of genes with shared function, such as pathogenicity or symbiosis support. (page 1011)
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horizontal transmission
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In disease, the transfer of a pathogen from one organism into another, nonprogeny organism. (page 1007)
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immunopathogenesis
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The process by which an immune response or the products of an immune response cause disease. (page 1009)
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infection
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The growth of a pathogen or parasite in or on a host. (page 1005)
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infection cycle
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The route a pathogen takes as it moves from one host into another. (page 1007)
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infectious dose 50% (ID50)
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The number of bacteria or virions required to cause disease symptoms in 50% of an experimental group of hosts. (page 1006)
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intimin
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A pathogenic E. coli adhesion protein that binds tightly to an E. coli–produced receptor injected into host cells. (page 1031)
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intracellular pathogen
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A pathogen that lives within a host cell. (page 1037)
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labile toxin (LT)
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An E. coli enterotoxin, destroyed by heat, that increases cellular cAMP concentrations. (page 1023)
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latent state
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A period of the infection process during which a pathogenic agent is dormant in the host and cannot be cultured. (page 1006)
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lethal dose 50% (LD50)
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A measure of virulence; the number of bacteria or virions required to kill 50% of an experimental group of hosts. (page 1006)
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lethal factor (LF)
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A component of anthrax toxin that cleaves host protein kinases. (page 1025)
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opportunistic pathogen
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A microbe that normally is not pathogenic but can cause infection or disease in an immunocompromised host organism. (page 1006)
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parasite
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Any bacterium, virus, fungus, or protozoan (protist) that colonizes and harms its host; the term commonly refers to protozoa and to invertebrates. (page 1005)
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parenteral route
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The introduction of materials into the body via intravenous or intramuscular injection. (page 1009)
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pathogen
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A bacterial, viral, or fungal agent of disease. (page 1005)
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pathogenesis
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The processes through which microbes cause disease in a host. (page 1004)
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pathogenicity
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The ability of a microorganism to cause disease. (page 1006)
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pathogenicity island
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A type of genomic island, a stretch of DNA that contains virulence factors and may have been transferred from another genome. (page 1011)
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petechia pl. petechiae
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A pinpoint capillary hemorrhage due to the absence of clotting factors; may indicate the presence of endotoxin. (page 1027)
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pilus pl. pili
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Also called fimbria. A straight protein filament composed of a tube of protein monomers that extend from the bacterial cell envelope. (page 1013)
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primary pathogen
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A disease-causing microbe that can breach the defenses of a healthy host. (page 1006)
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protective antigen (PA)
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The core subunit of anthrax toxin, so called because immunity to this protein protects against disease. (page 1025)
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protein A
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A Staphylococcus aureus cell wall protein that binds to the Fc region of antibodies, hiding the S. aureus cells from phagocytes. (page 1037)
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reservoir
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1. The major part of the biosphere that contains a significant amount of an element needed for life. 2. An organism that maintains a virus or bacterial pathogen in an area by serving as a high-titer host. (page 1007)
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transovarial transmission
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The transfer of a pathogen from parent to offspring by infection of the egg cell. Typically seen in insects. (page 1007)
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type I pilus
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A pilus that adheres to mannose residues on host cell surfaces. (page 1013)
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type II secretion system
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A bacterial protein secretion system that uses a type IV pilus-like extraction/retraction mechanism to push proteins out of the cell. (page 1029)
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type III pilus
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A bacterial pilus that does not bind to mannose but binds to tannic acid. (page 1013)
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type III secretion system (T3SS)
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A bacterial protein secretion system that uses a molecular syringe to inject bacterial proteins into the host cytoplasm. (page 1030)
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type IV pilus
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A dynamic pilus that can repeatedly assemble and disassemble; it mediates twitching motility. (page 1013)
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vector
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1. An organism (e.g., insect) that can carry infectious agents from one animal to another. 2. In molecular biology, a molecule of DNA into which exogenous DNA can be inserted to be cloned. (page 1007)
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vertical transmission
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In genetics, the passage of genes from parent to offspring. In disease, the transfer of a pathogen from parent to offspring. See also transovarial transmission. (page 1007)
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virulence |
A measure of the severity of a disease caused by a pathogenic agent. (page 1006) |
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virulence factor
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A trait of a pathogen that enhances the pathogen's disease-producing capability. (page 1010) |
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bacteremia
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A bacterial infection of the blood. (page 1091)
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blood-brain barrier
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A selectively permeable membrane made up of tightly packed capillaries that supply blood to the brain and spinal cord. Large molecules and most pathogens cannot permeate the narrow spaces. Fat-soluble (lipophilic) molecules and oxygen can dissolve through the capillary cell membranes and are absorbed into the brain. (page 1083)
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borreliosis
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Also called Lyme disease. A tick-borne disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which may involve skin lesions and arthritis. (page 1096)
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botulism
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A food-borne disease caused by a Clostridium botulinum toxin, involving muscle paralysis. (page 1085)
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bubonic plague
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A disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis; characterized by swollen lymph nodes that often turn black. (page 1095)
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cellulitis
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A spreading infection (inflammation) of connective tissue just below the skin. (page 1057)
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chancre
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A painless, hard lesion due to an inflammatory reaction at the site of infection with Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis. (page 1078)
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chlamydia
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1. An obligate, intracellular parasitic bacterium of the phylum Chlamydiae. 2. The most frequently reported sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Symptoms range from none, to a burning sensation upon urination, to sterility. (page 1079)
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congenital syphilis
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Syphilis contracted in utero. (page 1078)
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endocarditis
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An inflammation of the heart's inner lining. (page 1090)
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erythema migrans
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A bull's-eye rash characteristic of borreliosis (Lyme disease). (page 1096)
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hepatitis
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An inflammation of the liver, caused by infection or by exposure to a toxic substance. (page 1099)
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Lyme disease
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Also called borreliosis. A tick-borne disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which may involve skin lesions and arthritis. (page 1096)
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metastatic lesion
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A lesion of infection, or of cancerous cells, that develops at secondary sites away from the initial site of infection. (page 1064)
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necrotizing fasciitis
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Also known as flesh-eating disease. A severe skin infection usually caused by the Gram-positive coccus Streptococcus pyogenes. (page 1056)
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organism
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An individual form of life. (page 1052)
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pneumonic plague
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A highly virulent and contagious Yersinia pestis lung infection. (page 1095)
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portal-of-entry
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Site through which micro-organisms enter the body. These can be natural orifices, cuts or by injection. (page 1052)
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primary syphilis
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The initial inflammatory reaction (chancre) at the site of infection with Treponema pallidum. (page 1078)
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prion
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An infectious agent that causes propagation of misfolded host proteins; usually consists of a defective version of the host protein. (page 1089)
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reactivation tuberculosis
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Also called secondary tuberculosis. A new round of serious disease that is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients with latent tuberculosis who have become immunocompromised. Symptoms include severe cough, blood sputum, night sweats, and weight loss. (page 1065)
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rehydration therapy
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A medical treatment for dehydration, in which a liquid solution of salts and glucose is delivered orally. (page 1066)
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rotavirus
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One of a group of nonenveloped dsRNA viruses that cause severe diarrhea in children. (page 1072)
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secondary syphilis
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A rash that may appear at some point after the primary latent stage of syphilis. (page 1078)
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secondary tuberculosis
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Also called reactivation tuberculosis. A new round of serious disease that is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients with latent tuberculosis who have become immunocompromised. Symptoms include severe cough, blood sputum, night sweats, and weight loss. (page 1065)
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septicemia
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An infection of the bloodstream. (page 1091)
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septicemic plague
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Infection of the bloodstream by Yersinia pestis. (page 1095)
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spongiform encephalopathy
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A brain-wasting disease caused by a prion. (page 1090)
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tertiary syphilis
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A final stage of syphilis, manifested by cardiovascular and nervous system symptoms. (page 1078)
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tetanospasmin
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The tetanus-causing potent exotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani. (page 1085)
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transcytosis
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The movement of a cell or substance from one side of a polarized cell to the other side, using an intracellular route. (page 1084)
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viremia
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The presence of large numbers of virions in the bloodstream. (page 1091)
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zoonotic disease
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An infection that normally affects animals but can be transmitted to humans. (page 1053) |
