amniotic fluid

The serous fluid in which the embryo is suspended within the amnion (a thin membrane forming a closed sac).

antibody

A type of protein (an immunoglobulin) produced by the body's immune system that is specific for a particular antigen, conferring immunity to the body against that antigen.

antigen

Any substance that stimulates an immune response in an individual when the individual is exposed to it. The immune response is usually in the form of antibodies. For example, vaccinations use antigens derived from bacteria or viruses to stimulate an immune response in the body. Antigens may be the whole or only part of the microbe in question.

asymptomatic

Neither causing nor exhibiting symptoms of a disease.

bacteria

A group of microscopic organisms that are capable of reproducing on their own, causing human disease by direct invasion of body tissues. Bacteria often produce toxins that poison the cells they have invaded. Numerous bacteria also live in harmony with the body and are necessary for human existence, such as bacteria that aid in digestion in the gut. Important bacterial diseases include \"strep\" tonsillitis, pneumonia, and meningitis.

bloodborne pathogen

A pathologic microorganism that is present in human blood, blood components, and blood products that can cause disease in humans.

cataracts

Opactity of the lens or capsule of the eye, causing partial or total blindness.

CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - A United States government agency that  seeks to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.

cirrhosis

A chronic , sometimes fatal liver disease caused especially by alcohol abuse or hepatitis.

conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and the exposed surface of the eyeball. (Also known as pink eye.)

encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain.

exsanguinating

Draining or losing blood

HBcAg

Also known as Hepatitis B core antigen - This antigen is present on the inside of the hepatitis B virus, but does not stimulate the immune system to produce long lasting immunity.

HBsAb

Also known as Hepatitis B surface antibody  -  An antibody produced by the body's immune system that is specifically active against the hepatitis B surface antigen. This antibody confers long lasting immunity against hepatitis B.

HBsAg

Also known as Hepatitis B surface antigen - The antigen that is present on the outside surface of the hepatitis B virus. This antigen stimulates the antibody response against the hepatitis B virus that confers long lasting immunity.

HBV

Hepatitis B Virus

HCV

Hepatitis C Virus

Hemodialysis

The removal of metabolic waste products from the bloodstream by dialysis.

Hepatitis B carrier

A person in whom the hepatitis B virus has established a persistent low grade infection in the patient's liver that the patient's immune system is unable to clear. This occurs in 5 to 10% of all people infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B carriers are at  increased risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, and liver failure, all of which may eventually result in the patient's death.

Hepatitis B core antigen

Also known as HBcAg - This antigen is present on the inside of the hepatitis B virus, but does not stimulate the immune system to produce long lasting immunity.

Hepatitis B surface antibody

Also known as HBsAb -  An antibody produced by the body's immune system that is specifically active against the hepatitis B surface antigen. This antibody confers long lasting immunity against hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B surface antigen

Also known as HBsAg - The antigen that is present on the outside surface of the hepatitis B virus. This antigen stimulates the antibody response against the hepatitis B virus that confers long lasting immunity.

immunity

Resistance to a particular disease due to an activation of the body's immune system by exposure to either the infectious agent or to a vaccination prepared from the infectious agent.

incidence

The number of new cases of disease in a defined population occurring over a specific period of time, usually one year

induration

An area of hardened tissue.

jaundice

Yellowish discoloration of the eyes and tissues caused by deposition of bile salts.

larva

The newly hatched , wingless, often wormlike form of many insects.

lockjaw

A symptom of tetanus, in which the jaw is held tightly closed by a spasm of muscles.

lymph

A clear watery fluid that contains white blood cells and acts to remove bacteria and certain proteins from the tissues, transport fat from the small intestine, and supply mature lymphocytes to the blood.

lymph nodes

Any of numerous oval or round bodies that supply lymphocytes to the bloodstream and remove bacteria and foreign particles from the lymph.

meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges of the brain and the spinal cord.

MMR

Measels, mumps, rubella vaccine

myalgia

Tenderness or pain in the muscles; muscular rheumatism.

NFPA

National Fire Protection Association

nymph

The larval form of certain insects , usually resembling the adult form but smaller and lacking fully developed wings.

palsies

Complete or partial muscle paralysis.

parenteral

Situated or occurring outside the intestine (as in parenteral drug administration by intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injection);  introduced otherwise than by way of the intestines

pathogen

An agent that causes disease, esp. a living microorganism such as a bacterium or fungus.

percutaneous

Effected or performed through the skin.

pneumococcus

A bacterium that causes pneumonia.

prevalence

The number of existing cases of a particular disease present at a given time in a defined population. The prevalence is usually expressed as a proportion or a percentage of the population under study.

prophylactic treatment

A treatment that acts to defend against or prevent a disease.

prophylaxis

A means of providing temporary protection against disease by means of either a medication or substance that stimulates the body's own immune system against the disease, or a transfer of protective factors pooled from donors or animals.

radiculoneuritis

Inflammation of one or more roots of the spinal nerves.

seroconversion

The production of antibodies in response to an antigen.

serology

The branch of science concerned with the study of the immune components of the serum (antigens and antibodies).

spirochete

Any of an order of slender spiral microorganisms.

tort

Any wrongful act that does not involve a breach of contract and for which a civil suit can be brought.

vaccine

A preparation of killed or inactivated bacteria or viruses that is given to a person in order to artificially stimulate their immune system against a particular disease. This protects the vaccinated person from contracting the disease in the future.

variola virus

Any of several virus diseases (as smallpox or cowpox) marked by a pustular eruption.

vector

An organism that carries diease-causing microorganisms from one host to another.

virus

A term for a group of microbes that are incapable of reproducing on their own, and must invade a host cell in order to use its genetic machinery for reproduction. Viruses are smaller than bacteria, and are responsible for the most common human diseases, the common cold and the \"flu\" (influenza). Viruses are also responsible for more serious diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

WHO

World Health Organization - WHO is the United Nations specialized agency for health that seeks the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. WHO is governed by 192 Member States through the World Health Assembly.