Term | Definition |
Anaphylaxis | An exaggerated hypersensitivity reaction that in severe cases leads to vascular collapse, bronchospasm, and shock. |
antibodies | Immunoglobulins produced by the immune system in response to bacteria, viruses, or other antigenic substances. |
antigen | A foreign substance that causes the production of a specific antibody. |
antiseptics | Substances that inhibit the growth of microorganisms on living tissue (e.g., alcohol and povidone-iodine solution [Betadine]). |
autoimmune | Pertaining to a disturbance in the immune system in which the body reacts against its own tissue. |
candidiasis | An infection caused by a yeast that typically affects the vaginal mucosa and skin. |
coagulate | To form into clots. |
contaminated | Soiled with pathogens or infectious material; nonsterile. |
disinfectant | A liquid chemical that is capable of eliminating many or all pathogens but is not effective against bacterial spores. |
fomites | Contaminated, nonliving objects (e.g., examination room equipment) that can transmit infectious organisms. |
germicides | Agents that destroy pathogenic organisms. |
hereditary | Pertaining to a characteristic, condition, or disease transmitted from parent to offspring on the DNA chain. |
interferon | A protein formed when a cell is exposed to a virus; the protein blocks viral action on the cell and protects against viral invasion. |
opportunistic infections | Infections caused by a normally nonpathogenic organism in a host whose resistance has been decreased. |
palliative | A substance that relieves or alleviates the symptoms of a disease without curing the disease. |
parenteral | The injection or introduction of substances into the body by any route other than the digestive tract. |
pathogenic | Pertaining to a disease-causing microorganism. |
permeable | Allowing a substance to pass or soak through. |
pyemia | The presence of pus-forming organisms in the blood. |
relapse | The recurrence of the symptoms of a disease after apparent recovery. |
remission | The partial or complete disappearance of the clinical and subjective characteristics of a chronic or malignant disease. |
resident bacteria | Bacteria that live in or on a certain part of the body, such as the skin or mucosa. |
rhinitis | Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose. |
spores | A thick-walled, dormant form of bacteria that is very resistant to disinfection measures. |
sterile | Free of all microorganisms, pathogenic and nonpathogenic. |
tinea | Any fungal skin disease that results in scaling, itching, and inflammation. |
transient bacteria | Bacteria temporarily living in or on a certain body part, such as the hands. |
urticaria | A skin eruption that creates inflamed wheals; hives. |
vectors | Animals or insects (e.g., ticks) that transmit the causative organisms of disease. |