| acyclovir |
A synthetic purine analog that blocks DNA synthesis in certain viruses,
particularly the herpes simplex viruses. |
| allergy |
The
altered, usually exaggerated, immune response to an allergen. Also called
hypersensitivity. |
| antibiotic |
A chemical substance from one microorganism that can inhibit or kill another
microbe even in minute amounts. |
| broad-spectrum |
A word to
denote drugs that affect many different types of bacteria, both gram-positive and
gram-negative. |
| cephalosporin |
A group of broad-spectrum antibiotics isolated from the fungus Cephalosporium |
| chemotherapy |
The use of
chemical substances or drugs to treat or prevent disease |
| interferon |
Naturally occurring polypeptides produced by fibroblasts and lymphocytes that can
block viral replication and regulate a variety of immune reactions |
| narrow-spectrum |
Denotes
drugs that are selective and limited in their effects. For example, they inhibit either
gram-negative or gram-positive bacteria, but not both. |
| penicillin |
A large group of naturally occurring and synthetic antibiotics produced by
Penicillium mold and active against the cell wall of bacteria. |
| polymyxins |
A mixture
of antibiotic polypeptides from Bacillus polymyxa that are particularly effective against
gram-negative bacteria. |
| prophylactic |
Any device, method, or substance used to prevent disease |
| superinfection |
An
infection occurring during antimicrobic therapy that is caused by an overgrowth of
drug-resistant microorganisms. |
