| bubo |
The
swelling of one or more lymph nodes due to inflammation |
| capsule |
In bacteria, the loose,
gel-like covering or slime made chiefly of simple polysaccharides. This layer is
protective and can be associated with virulence |
| coliform |
A
collective term that includes normal enteric bacteria that are gram-negative and
lactose-fermenting. |
| endotoxin |
A bacterial
intracellular toxin that is not ordinarily released (as is exotoxin). Endotoxin is
composed of a phospholipid-polysaccharide complex that is an integral part of
gram-negative bacterial cell walls. Endotoxins can cause severe shock and fever |
| enteropathogenic |
Pathogenic
to the alimentary canal. |
| enterotoxigenic |
A bacterial toxin that
specifically targets intestinal mucous membrane cells. Enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia
coli and Staphylococcus aureus are typical sources. |
| opportunist |
In
infection, ordinarily nonpathogenic or weakly pathogenic microbes that cause disease
primarily in an immunologically compromised host. |
| whooping cough |
An acute, highly
contagious infection of the respiratory tract, most frequently affecting young children,
usually caused by Bordetella pertussis or B. parapertussis. Consists of
peculiar paroxysms of coughing, ending in a prolonged crowing or whooping respiration;
hence the name whooping cough |
