Page 307 - parasitology for medical and clinical laboratoryprofessionals

Glossary

A Amoeboid pseudopodia Cytoplasmic extrusions used for
motility as well as to engulf blood cells and bacteria.
Acaridae Family of mites that cause irritation to the skin. Amputation Either traumatic or surgical removal of an entire
Acarina Ectoparasites of the order Acarina includes many limb or fingers and toes.
vectors such as ticks and mites. Anaerobic Condition of decrease or absence of oxygen; some
Acellular Acellular organisms are not organisms at all, but bacterial require this condition in order to grow.
rather viruses that are not considered living organisms. Anaphylactic A severe allergic condition of hypersensitiv-
Acetabula Structure of Schistosomal cercaria producing ity may affect only certain organs and systems of the body or
secretions glands used in the invasive process of the parasite. may include the entire body; previous exposure and sensitiza-
Acetone Colorless and flammable liquid; used as a solvent for tion necessary due to previous exposure to antigen (causative
decolorizing and cleaning of the laboratory. agent); anaphylaxis has a rapid onset and may lead to death if
Aedes Genus of mosquito originally found primarily in tropical, not quickly treated.
subtropical zones but has spread by human activity to all conti- Anaplasma Prevalent tick-borne pathogen that causes con-
nents; several species important in transmitting human diseases. siderable damage to the health of livestock throughout the
Accidental host One that may harbor an organism that does world.
not actually infect it. Annelids Large phylum of worms that appear to be ringed
Agar plate A Petri dish that contains nutritive media (agar) to and segmented; includes leeches and earthworms.
promote bacterial growth. Anemia A condition literally meaning “without blood”;
AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. caused by a red blood celldeficiency; may exhibit weakness
Algae Source of food for some organisms; grows in both fresh and shortness of breath.
and salt water as a photosynthetic organism. Anoperineal region Refers chiefly to the anus and perineum,
Amastigote An amastigote is a cell that does not have any fla- the region between the thighs.
gella and is used mainly to describe a certain phase in the life Anopheles Species of mosquito that transmits human
cycle of trypanosome protozoans. malaria.
American dog tick The American dog tick, Dermacentor Anorexia An eating disorder mainly based on an emotional
variabilis, is found in the eastern United States and less fre- or psychological condition, resulting in willful self-induced
quently in the Pacific west. These ticks are encountered in starvation; may be called anorexia nervosa; persistent loss
grassy meadows, young growing forests along weedy trails, and of appetite.
roadsides. Antibodies Proteins produced by B lymphocytes in response
Amicrofilaremic Inability to find microfilaria in the blood; to the presence of a foreign antigen.
refers to W. bancrofti and Loa loa microfilaria. Antigens Any substance capable of stimulating an immune
Amoebae Plural form of a type of a protozoan. response.
Amoebiasis Condition of being infected with amoebic Antihistamines Drug used to reverse the production of
parasites. histamines during allergic reactions.
Amoebic colitis Refers to infection with the pathogenic pro- Antiprotozoal drugs Designed to treat diseases caused by
tozoan, Entamoeba histolytica. protozoa, animal-like, one-celled animals including amoebae.
Amoebicides Chemotherapeutics for ridding the gastroin- Appendicitis Inflammation of the vermiform appendix, an
testinal system of amoebae. appendage of the large intestine.

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