Glossary - Infectious Diseases
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acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) - a disease, caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which kills or impairs cells of the immune system and progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. HIV is most commonly spread in teens and adults by sexual contact with an infected partner. HIV is most commonly spread in infants and children by vertical transmission from an infected mother while in the womb or during delivery.
antibiotic - a group of drugs that kill bacteria and other organisms that cause disease.
antibody (Also called immunoglobulin.) - a protein that is manufactured by lymphocytes to neutralize or destroy an antigen or foreign protein. Many types of antibodies are protective against infection. Rarely, antibodies are produced against tissues in the body resulting in illness (autoimmune disease).
antigen - a substance that can trigger an immune response causing the production of antibodies as part of the body's defense against infection and disease.
antihistamine drugs - drugs that block the effects of histamine, a chemical released in the body during an allergic reaction.
anti-inflammatory drugs - drugs that reduce the signs and symptoms of inflammation.
asymptomatic - to be without noticeable symptoms of disease.
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base - bottom portion of lower lobes of the lung, located just above the diaphragm.
bronchiole - a small airway (subdivision of the bronchus) that leads to areas of the lung and absorbs oxygen from the air.
bronchiolitis - inflammation that involves the bronchioles (small airways).
bronchus - one of two large subdivisions of the trachea through which air passes to and from the lungs.
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chickenpox - a highly viral infectious disease, usually associated with childhood. By adulthood, more than 90 percent of Americans have had chickenpox. The disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Transmission occurs from person-to-person by direct contact or through the air.
chlamydial infection - very common sexually transmitted disease or urinary tract infection caused by a bacteria-like organism in the urethra and reproductive system.
computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
culture - a laboratory test that involves the growing of bacteria or other microorganisms to aid in the diagnosis.
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diphtheria - a serious, infectious disease that produces a toxin (poison) and an inflammation in the membrane lining of the throat, nose, trachea, and other tissues.
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E. coli O157:H7 (Also called E. coli. or Escherichia coli.) - Species of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and healthy cattle; often the cause of urinary tract infections, diarrhea in infants, and wound infections.
encephalitis - a viral infection of the brain.
exanthem - a rash.