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Glossary

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A

Anemia: A reduction in the number of circulating red blood cells or in the quantity of hemoglobin.

Antibodies: (Also known as immunoglobulins.) Proteins that are found in blood or other bodily fluids of vertebrates. Antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to invasion by foreign substances, such as parasites and other microorganisms. Antibodies are produced by a kind of white blood cell called a B cell.

Antigens: (Also known as immunogens.) Substances that can stimulate an immune response. Antigens are usually proteins or polysaccharides and include the coats, capsules, cell walls, flagella, fimbrae, and toxins of parasites, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

Avidity: A term use to describe the combined strength of multiple bond interactions [as opposed to affinity, which is a term used to describe the strength of a single bond]. Avidity is a term that can be used to describe applied to antibody-antigen interactions, where multiple, weak bonds form between antigen and antibody. Individually, each bond may be weak; however when multiple individual bonds are present at the same time, the overall effect is strong binding of antigen to antibody.

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B

 

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C

 

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D

Disseminated infection: An infection where the germ enters the body through a single entry point and then disperses throughout the body.

Distilling: A technique in which water is boiled until it vaporizes and is then condensed back into water. Dissolved metals and minerals (e.g., arsenic, lead, etc.) are left behind in the distilling process. Distillation systems can have a significant energy cost associated with their use.

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E

Ectoparasite: A classification of animals that includes those with hard, segmented bodies and jointed appendages, such as insects. Ectoparasites are usually arthropods which parasitize the skin.

Elephantiasis: Engorgement, thickened skin, often of the leg.

Epidemiology: The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to the control of health problems.

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G

Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE): A serious infection of the brain and spinal cord that typically occurs in persons with a compromised immune system.

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H

Helminth: A large, multicellular organism that is generally visible to the naked eye in its adult stages. Helminths can be free-living or parasitic.

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I

Immunoglobulin A (IgA): A class of immunoglobulin is the second most common immunoglobulin in blood. It is the main immunoglobulin found in secretions, such as tears, saliva, colostrum, mucous membranes of the intestine, respiratory and reproductive tracts. IgA provides local defense against microorganisms as they try to infect mucous membranes.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG): A class of immunoglobulin. This is the most abundant immunoglobulin and is approximately equally distributed in blood and in tissue liquids. Approximately 75% of serum immunoglobulins in humans is IgG.

Immunoglobulin M ( IgM): A class of immunoglobulin and is the third most common immunoglobulin in serum. IgM is the first class of immunoglobulin that is made by immune cells when stimulated by antigen. It is also the first class of antibody that is made by the fetus.

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L

Lymphedema: Swelling from fluid build-up caused by improper functioning of the lymph system.

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P

Parasite: Any organism that lives in or on another organism without benefiting the host organism; commonly refers to pathogens, most commonly in reference to protozoans and helminths.

Pneumonitis: Inflammation of the lungs.

Protozoa: Single-celled, microscopic organisms that can perform all necessary functions of metabolism and reproduction. Some protozoa are free-living, while others parasitize other organisms for their nutrients and life cycle.

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R

Recreational Water: water from swimming pools, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, spas, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, streams, or the ocean.

Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs): illnesses that are spread by swallowing, breathing, or having contact with contaminated water from swimming pools, spas, lakes, rivers, or the ocean.

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S

Serology: The scientific study of blood serum. Antibodies may be formed in response to an infection with a microorganism and detection of these antibodies can be help make a disease diagnosis when an infection is suspected. Some serological tests are not limited to blood serum, but can also be performed using other bodily fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, saliva and semen, which may also contain antibodies after an infection.

Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses.

 

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T

Telediagnosis: The transmission of digital images captured from a clinical specimen and sent via electronic mail to CDC for assistance in identifying suspected parasitic agents.

 

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Z

Zoonotic Diseases: Diseases spread from animals to people.

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Page last modified: April 25, 2008
Page last reviewed: January 9, 2007
Content Source: Division of Parasitic Diseases (DPD)
National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-borne, and Enteric Diseases (ZVED)
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