Glossary

adaptive immunity
definition
Adaptive immunity refers to…
Defense system against pathogens acquired after having been infected. Made up of B cells and T cells, adaptive immunity is capable of “remembering” individual pathogens and protecting the body against them in case of re-exposure.
adenoviruses
definition
Adenoviruses are…
Common viruses with a DNA genome known to cause diseases of the airways and digestive organs. In gene technology, low-virulence strains of adenovirus are used as vectors in gene transfer.
adhesion
definition
Adhesion means…
In bacteriology, a term used to describe the process of a bacterium attaching to an organic or inorganic surface, to other bacteria, or to a host cell. Plays a central role in infection.
adjuvant
definition
An adjuvant is…
A substance administered along with the antigen as part of a vaccine in order to amplify the immune response to that antigen.
AIDS
definition
Acquired Immunedeficiency Syndrome
“Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome”; Caused by infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus is transmitted through direct contact with certain bodily fluids of an infected person. In countries with adequate health care, AIDS has become a treatable chronic illness although to date there is no cure or vaccine. In 2010, 1.8 million people died of AIDS.
actin
definition
Actin is...
Protein commonly found in eukaryotic cells as part of the cytoskeleton that can form filaments (fibres).
active immunization
definition
Active immunization refers to…
Intended activation of the adaptive immune response by administration of a vaccine. Immunizations are among the most effective preventive measures in medicine. Active immunization with living or inactivated vaccine induces development of pathogen-specific memory cells that allow a rapid and specific immune response when re-exposed to the pathogen. In most cases, being vaccinated once conveys life-long protection.
algorithm
definition
An algorithm is…
Solution-finding process using a precisely defined methodology to solve a problem in a finite number of steps. Examples include a washing machine programme or a software program to fill out a form.
allergy
definition
Allergy refers to…
Defense response against a normally harmless environmental antigen called an allergen. Characterized by a strong inflammatory response, which can produce symptoms like a rash, hay fever, asthma, vomitingdiarrhea and even circulatory shock. An allergy is caused by overactivation of certain types of white blood cells (mast cells and basophilic granulocytes) mediated by the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE).
amino acid
definition
An amino acid is…
Organic molecule. Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins.
amyloid
definition
An amyloid is…
Protein-containing deposit in tissues. Amyloid formation is pathological: normal body proteins undergo structural changes to form fibrils followed by amyloids.
innate immunity
definition
Innate immunity means…
Defense system against pathogens that is present from birth. It responds non-specifically but is always available and targets foreign particles within the body. Important components include mechanical barriers like the skin, macrophages, killer cells, and interferons.
antibiotic resistance
definition
Antibiotic resistance means…
Bacterial defense mechanism against antibiotics. Resistance may consist of an antibiotic being inactivated with the help of enzymes or of an antibiotic being extruded from the cell using different transport mechanisms before it can unfold its pharmacologic potential. Genes that bestow resistance are often found on a plasmid-a circular piece of bacterial DNA that is separate from the bacterial chromosome. Since bacteria are capable of exchanging plasmids with each other, antibiotic resistance genes can quickly be passed on. This way, antibiotics are gradually rendered ineffective.
antigens
definition
Antigens are...
Structures that are recognized and bound by antibodies. Most antigens are proteins but may also be made from carbohydrates, lipids, and other substances. In case of an autoimmune disease, the immune system views the body’s own structures as foreign – in which case they are called auto-antigens.
antigen-specific cell
definition
An Antigen-specific cell is…
Defender cell of the immune system capable of recognizing a specific structural property of the pathogen called the antigen.
anti-infectives
definition
Anti-infectives refer to…
Umbrella term for drugs that are effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Scientists are investigating natural substances, specifically those produced by microorganisms, for their potential anti-infective properties.
antibodies
definition
Antibodies are…
Also known as immunoglobulins, these proteins are made by B cells in response to antigens and are released into the blood and lymph. Antibodies can attach to foreign invaders and prompt an immune response, which results in elimination of the foreign substance. They do this by recognizing specific regions of the antigen called epitopes.
apoptosis
definition
Apoptosis is…
Cell death which follows a genetically encoded programme. This cellular “suicide” programme is important in multicellular organisms, where it serves the purpose of getting rid of cells that are no longer needed, diseased, or infected.
autoimmune disease
definition
An autoimmune disease is…
A disease that is triggered by the adaptive immune system inappropriately mounting a response against a self-antigen. The immune system mistakes the body’s own tissues for a foreign object and attacks it. Examples include type I Diabetes mellitus and Morbus Crohn.
autoinducer
definition
Autoinducer refers to…
Chemical signaling substance used by bacteria in quorum sensing, which allows bacteria to communicate with each other and to adapt gene expression to the bacterial population’s density.
autoclave
definition
An autoclave is…
A device used to sterilize laboratory equipment. Gene technology laboratory safety policy requires that all equipment used as well as contaminated waste products be sterilized. An autoclave consists of a gastight pressure container similar to a pressure cooker. The equipment is sterlized in 121 degree C hot water vapor and at 2 bar pressure.
autophagy
definition
Autophagy means…
Degradation of cellular components. Cells use autophagy to break down proteins that are misfolded or no longer leeded as well as microorganisms or viruses that have entered the cell. The latter shows the importance of this process in the immune defense.
B cells
definition
B cells are...
Also known as B lymphocytes, these are the cells that, along with T cells, constitute the adaptive immune system. Upon activation by an encounter of antigen, they differentiate into plasma cells, which produce antibodies. In birds, antibodies are produced inside the Bursa fabricii, hence their name. In humans, they are made in the bone marrow. Humans have about 10 billions different types of B cells capable of recognizing different antigens.
Bacillus anthracis
definition
Bacillus anthracis is…
The anthrax pathogen. This bacterium can outlast decades in the soil in the form of spores. Once it has entered the body through inhalation or an open wound, it causes extensive damage by releasing anthrax toxin.
bacteria
definition
Bacteria are...
Microorganisms that proliferate by cellular division and that lack a nucleus. They are, therefore, considered to be prokaryotes. They are classified according to the structure of their cell wall as either gram-positive or gram-negative. Many bacteria live inside our bodies where they are integral to our health, while others are pathogenic and may cause disease. One species used in the laboratory as a model organism is Escherichia coli.
bacteriophages
definition
Bacteriophages are…
Viruses that infect bacteria. Bacteriophages can be used in the laboratory to introduce genes into bacteria.
biodegradation
definition
Biodegradation means…
Chemical degradation of organic materials in a biological manner, for example, by microorganisms.
biofilm
definition
A Biofilm is…
A slime-coated community of bacteria or fungi found adhering to surfaces. Inside the body, they use their slime coating to evade detection by the immune system and to shield themselves against antibiotics. Biofilms play a role in dental caries and occur on implants and catheters. Scientists are searching for ways to dissolve biofilms to prevent serious infections.
blood-brain-barrier
definition
The blood-brain-barrier is…
The border between the central nervous system and the systemic circulation aimed at protecting nervous tissue from potentially toxic substances. Involved in transport of important molecules and maintenance of a stable internal environment.
blood clotting
definition
Blood clotting means…
Vital and rapid process to prevent excessive blood loss following an injury which mediates wound healing. Vessels constrict immediately following the injury. Platelets (thrombocytes) adhere to the site of injury and stick to each other. This clot is reinforced by a web made of fibrin fibersAn entire cascade of clotting factors is involved in this process. Genetic defects can lead to an increased tendency to bleed (hemophilia) or blood clotting (thrombosis).
chemotherapy
definition
Chemotherapy is…
Form of therapy used in the treatment of cancer. Cytotoxic drugs that damage cells attack all those cells that divide rapidly, a property of cancer cells and certain normal cells like bone marrow cells and hair follicles. Since chemotherapeutic drugs are unable to distinguish between healthy and cancer cells, immunosuppression and hair loss are common side effects of chemotherapy.
cholera
definition
Cholera is…
Serious diarrheal disease triggered by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The bacterium spreads through contaminated water and food. As is true for many diarrheal diseases, cholera related fluid loss is the most serious threat to the body.
COPD
definition
COPD stands for...
Acronym for “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.”
Collective term for chronic lung diseases that impair airflow in the lungs. Characteristic symptoms include coughing, increased sputum, and dyspnoea following exertion. According to a World Health Organization prognosis, COPD could become the third most common cause of death worldwide by the year 2030.
diversity
Diversity is...
Biological variation of species on earth, genetic variation and variation of ecosystems.
DNA
abbreviation of
„deoxyribonucleic acid“
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a macromolecule which stores the cell’s genetic information and passes it on to the next generation. DNA contains the genetic code, the blueprint for protein synthesis.
flow cytometry
definition
Flow cytometry is…
A method of cellular analysis used by researchers to distinguish between different types of immune cells and to examine interesting cellular molecules. Some cytometers are capable of sorting cells according to the examined characteristics.
E. coli
E. coli is…
See Escherichia coli.
Ebola
definition
Ebola is…
Haemorrhagic (i.e. triggering bleeding) and frequently lethal fever triggered by the highly contagious Ebola virus. To date, there is no vaccine against ebola and no specific treatment.
eHealth
definition
eHealth is ...
eHealth describes the application of electronic information and communication technologies for health. eHealth is an abbrevation for “electronic health” and a general term for a broad spectrum of IT applications.
EHEC
definition
EHEC stands for...
Enterohaemorrhagic (i.e. causing intestinal bleeding) Escherichia coli, the pathogenic variant of the usually harmless intestinal inhabitant, Escherichia coli. These bacteria produce a cellular toxin that causes inflammatory-like reactions inside intestinal cells that seriously damage the body. Around ten percent of patients develop haemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) which destroys red blood cells and can lead to acute renal failure.
single-celled organisms
definition
Single-celled organisms are…
Organisms made up of just one single cell that, unlike bacteria, contain a true nucleus and are thus classified as eukaryotes. Examples include paramecium and the pathogen that causes malaria.
endemic
definition
Endemic means…
Local but not temporal high incidence of a given infectious disease in a particular region or population.
inflammation
definition
Inflammation means…
Local accumulation of fluid and white blood cells in response to infection or injury. Inflammation has four characteristic traits: heat, pain, redness, and swelling. It may become chronic and destroy tissues.
epidemic
definition
Epidemic means…
The locally and temporally limited occurrence of an infectious disease.
Epidemiology
definition
Epidemiology is…
The study of the etiology, risk factors, distribution, and consequences of disease. Infectious disease epidemiology studies these factors as they pertain to communicable diseases.
epitope
definition
An epitope is…
Specific region of an antigen that attaches to antigen receptors on T and B cells and to antibodies.
erythrocyte
definition
An erythrocyte is…
Small red blood cell involved in the transport of oxygen to the tissues and of carbon dioxide away from the tissues. Its color is due to the reddish oxygen-carrying protein haemoglobin. Erythrocytes do not contain a nucleus.
Escherichia coli
definition
Escherichia coli is…
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a rod-shaped bacterium that is naturally found in the intestine. E. coli is a popular model organism used in the lab. In addition to harmless intestinal inhabitant there do exist pathogenic variants like EHEC.
eukaryotes
definition
Eukaryotes are…
Unicellular or multicellular organisms that contain a nucleus. Humans, animals, plants, and protozoa are eukaryotes. In contrast, prokaryotes lack a nucleus.
GBF
abbreviation of
Gesellschaft für Biotechnologische Forschung
(German) Acronym for the German Research Centre for Biotechnology.
In 2006, the GBF was renamed as Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI).
memory cells
definition
Memory cells are…
Long-living B cells or T cells capable of “remembering” a prior infection. Memory cells bestow years of long-term protection following immunization.
gene
definition
A gene is…
Stretch of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA) that constitutes a single hereditary informational unit. Normally, genes contain the blueprint for an organism's physical characteristics that e.g. determine what the organism will look like. The blueprint is encoded in a chemical four-letter code. In a strictly regulated way, this code is translated into a protein via the intermediate step RNA.
genetically engineered organism
definition
A genetically engineered organism is…
Organism whose hereditary material was intentionally altered.
gene therapy
definition
Gene therapy is…
Introducing and integrating genes into the cells of an organism in order to compensate for genetic defects. Genetic defects describe missing genes or genes that have mutated and thus lost their function. In most cases, genetic defects are hereditary. Gene therapy as medical treatment is still in a developmental stage. As such, it is conceivable that a functional therapeutic gene might replace a mutated one.
influenza
definition
Influenza is…
Popularly known as “the flu,” influenza is a highly contagious disease of the airways caused by the influenza virus. Immunization is possible by influenza vaccination, which bestows protection for up to one year. Each year, influenza claims roughly 500,000 lives. The most recent large-scale pandemics include the Spanish Flu (1918-1920), the Asian Flu (1957-1958), and the Hong Kong Flu (1968-1970). See also avian flu. The term “flu” is sometimes used colloquially to describe the common cold.
H5N1
definition
H5N1 means…
See avian flu.
Haemophilus influenza
definition
Haemophilus influenza is...
Bacterium often associated with influenza, that is found on mucous membranes, but which is not the flu pathogen. It can cause serious infections that can be lethal, especially in children. H. influenzae’s genome, sequenced in 1995, was one of the first to be sequenced completely.
HeLa cells
definition
HeLa cells are…
HeLa cells are among the most commonly used cell cultures in the lab. Their denomination derives from the name of their donor, Henrietta Lacks, an American who had developed cervical cancer. In 1951, tumour cells were extracted from her body and these cells continued to proliferate in the culture dish. That way, the first human cell line was established. Today, this immortal cell line is used all over the world in medical and cell biology research.
Helicobacter pylori
definition
Helicobacter pylori is…
Bacterium that causes gastric ulcers and which, in chronic infections, can contribute to the development of gastric carcinoma. It was previously thought that the stomach’s acidic environment kills all bacteria. However, Helicobacter pylori invades the gastric mucosa, where it produces ammonia, a strong base, which neutralizes the stomach acid in the bacterium’s vicinity.
hepatitis
definition
Hepatitis is...
Inflammation of the liver which may be caused by one of five hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, or E. Whereas A and E are food-borne, the other types are transmitted through contaminated body fluids. Hepatitis B and C can both lead to chronic illness and are the main cause of cirrhosis and cancer of the liver. An acute hepatitis infection can lead to characteristic jaundice, where the skin and mucous membranes turn yellow. Other symptoms include nausea, fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. Vaccines only exist against hepatitis A and B.
meningitis
definition
Meningitis is…
Bacterially or virally triggered inflammation of the membranes (called the meninges) that package the brain and spinal cord. Characterized by high fever, serious headaches, and a stiff neck. Meningitis can be life-threatening and is treated using antibiotics.
HIV
abbreviation of
Human immunodeficiency virus
Human immunodeficiency virus. The virus belongs to the family of retroviruses. It infects human T helper cells, which compromises the immune defense and, after several years, causes AIDS.
hormone
definition
A hormone is...
Biochemical messenger substance with a highly specific effect, secreted from glands into the bloodstream and acting on distant target cells. Examples include thyroid hormones, adrenaline, and the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen.
human pathogens
definition
Human pathogens are…
Pathogen causing disease in humans.
immune defense
definition
Immune defense refers to…
Comprises all mechanisms of the immune system that serve the purpose of defending the body against pathogens.
immunodeficiency
definition
Immunodeficiency means…
An innate or acquired functional disorder of the immune system. Innate immune defects may affect the development of immune cells like B or T cells. Acquired immune defects can be triggered by infectious diseases like AIDS but may be desirable for therapeutic purposes as in following a transplantion. See immunosuppression.
immunsuppression
definition
Immunosuppression means…
Often artificially elicited suppression of the immune response, for example, to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ.
immune system
definition
The immune system is…
Tisues, cells and molecules that are involved in the body’s defense against pathogens.
in silico
definition
in silico bedeutet...
Term to describe a computer-simulated process. See in vitro, in vivo.
in vitro
definition
In vitro refers to…
Describes a process taking place in a test tube, that is, in a controlled environment outside the organism. See in silico, in vivo.
in vivo
definition
In vivo refers to…
Describes a process taking place inside an intact cell or organism. See in silico, in vitro.
infection
definition
An infection is…
A pathogen’s invasion of the body and subsequent proliferation. Pathogens may be bacteria, viruses, fungi, single-celled organisms, parasites, or prions. In most cases, the immune system’s initial reaction to an infection is the mounting of an innate immune response that is frequently accompanied by an inflammatory response, followed by a response by the adaptive immune system.
source of infection
definition
The source of infection is…
The origin of an infection.
influenza viruses
definition
Influenza viruses are…
The flu pathogen; Influenza viruses A and B affect humans.
incubation period
definition
The incubation period is…
The time between infection with a pathogen and the onset of initial symptoms of the disease.
Interferon
definition
interferons are…
Proteins belonging to the family of cytokines that regulate the immune system. Interferons are secreted by immune cells. They are effective against viruses and interfere with tumour cell proliferation. Interferons are used in therapy.
internalin
definition
Internalin is…
Protein found on the surface of the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterial protein binds to the cellular transmembrane protein E-cadherin and uses it to enter the host cell.
invasion
Invasion means…
Entry of an infectious agent into the host cell. Viruses are not able to proliferate on their own and are thus always dependent on their host and its protein machinery. Some bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria also enter the host cell.
incidence
Incidence describes…
Frequency of new cases of a disease. Incidence is calculated by dividing the number of new cases of a disease within a defined time period by the total number of individuals within the population under observation.
catheter
definition
A catheter is…
Thin tube that is introduced into the body for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. It allows for probing or rinsing of hollow internal organs like the urinary bladder, the stomach, the intestine, the ear, or the heart and blood vessels. In addition, it allows for the introduction of drugs or surgical equipment into the body.
nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
definition
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is…
Short: NMR spectroscopy. Analytic tool that exploits the magnetic properties of atomic nuclei and yields information about a given molecule's structure and chemical environment.
kinase
definition
A kinase is…
Enzyme that attaches a phosphate group to a specific substrate. Kinases play a central role in intracellular signal transduction.
clone
definition
Clones are…
Cells or organisms that have originated from repeated division of a common precursor cell or organism.
knockout mouse
definition
A knockout mouse is…
Mouse strain in which a particular gene has been purposely inactivated. From the development and metabolism of these mice, conclusions regarding a particular gene’s or protein’s function can be drawn. Scientists are using knockout mice as animal models for certain human diseases. There are also knockin mice where an additional gene is introduced: in most cases, a mouse gene is replaced by a human one.
complement system
definition
Complement system refers to…
System consisting of about 20 plasma proteins called complement factors involved in the body’s non-specific defense against pathogens. It is part of the innate immune system. Activated complement factors cause the pathogen to burst or attract immune cells that destroy the pathogen.
contact infection
definition
A contact infection is…
Direct transmission of pathogens through contact with an infected person or indirect transmission through contact of contaminated objects (doorknobs, banisters, etc.), formerly also known as a smear infection.
hospital bug
definition
Hospital bug means…
Bacterial pathogen that is resistant to many common antibiotics. These types of germs increasingly spread in hospitals, where a lot of antibiotics are prescribed, and patients with a weakened immune system are particularly at risk. One much-feared example are MRSA's, the methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Only one of a handful of reserve antibiotics that may only be prescribed in rare exceptions will help with this bacterium.
cancer
definition
Cancer is…
Cancer develops when a body cell divides uncontrollably and displaces healthy tissue. It is one of the most frequent causes of death. Different factors like cigarette smoking, certain chemicals, and exposure to UV light are associated with the development of cancer and are thus considered carcinogenic. Certain viruses, like papillomavirus, can also be triggers. Cell culture exploits the fact that cancer cells don’t die. See HeLa cells.
leukemia
Leukemia refers to…
Disease of the blood-forming (haemopoietic) system, characterized by increased production of immature white blood. They spread within the bone marrow and interfere with the formation of blood components – especially red blood cells, platelets, and functional white blood cells.
leukocytes
definition
Leukocytes are…
White blood cells that perform different jobs as part of the immune defense. Lymphocytes are one example of leukocytes.
listeria
definition
Listeria are…
Bacterial genus that includes the human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, which enters our digestive system along with contaminated raw food. Although Listeria are widespread, the number of diseases is low as the immune system normally fights the pathogen efficiently. If the immune system is compromised, however, meningitis or sepsis that may turn lethal could result. Pregnant women can potentially miscarry if they are infected by Listeria.
lymphocytes
definition
Lymphocytes are…
A class of white blood cells that includes B cells and T cells as well as natural killer cells.
macrophages
definition
Macrophages are…
Scavenger cells of the innate immune system. They belong to the class of cells called phagocytes.
malaria
definition
Malaria is...
Infectious disease caused by the single-celled parasite Plasmodium. Plasmodium spreads inside the patient’s red blood cells until they rupture. This causes the typical Malaria symptom of recurrent periodic fever. The Anopheles mosquito transmits the malaria pathogen. The disease is the primary cause of death of children in Africa. To date, a vaccine does not exist.
measles
definition
Measles are…
Highly contagious childhood disease that is transmitted by droplet infection with Paramyxovirus, and which is accompanied by fever and body-wide rashes. Although a safe and effective vaccine is available, in countries with inadequate health care, many children still die from this infectious disease.
mouse inbred strain
definition
A mouse inbred strain is…
Mice with an identical genetic profile.
melanin
definition
Melanin is...
Reddish, brown, or black pigments made from the amino acid tyrosine by enzymatic oxidation. They give colour to skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin is found in vertebrates, insects, microorganisms, plants, and in the ink of calamar. In vertebrates, melanin is synthesized by melanocytes in the skin and retina.
obligation to report
definition
The obligation to report means…
Obligation to report dangerous diseases to the local health authorities or the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). An insight into the current distribution of diseases that require reporting to the authorities can be found in the RKI’s Epidemiological Bulletin. Cholera, the measles, and the plague are among the diseases with an obligation to report.
Mendelian inheritance
definition
Mendelian inheritance means…
Rules that describe the inheritance of traits whose expression is determined by only a single gene. Named for Gregor Mendel. Today, exceptions to these rules are well-established.
minimal infectious dose
definition
The minimal infectious dose is…
The minimum amount of pathogen that must be transmitted to trigger an infection. This dose is pathogen-dependent.
model organism
definition
A model organism is…
Organism used by scientists to study biological mechanisms, e.g. of infectious diseases, and how to prevent or treat them. Examples include the fruit fly D. melanogaster, the zebrafish D. rerio, the nematode C. elegans, the bacterium E. coli, and mice. See also knockout mice.
monoclonal antibodies
definition
Monoclonal antibodies are…
Produced by an individual clone of B cells, monoclonal antibodies all recognize the same exact epitope. They are used in medical diagnostics and research and partially also in the treatment of diseases.
motility
definition
Motility is…
In cell biology, describes movements of the whole cells (for example, of lymphocytes) or within the cytoplasm.
MRSA
MRSA is...
Abbreviation for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Infections with this bacterium are difficult to treat because they can resist numerous antibiotics.
multiresistant
definition
Multiresistant means…
A term which describes a germ that is resistant to several different types of drugs.
mycobacteria
definition
Mycobacteria are…
Bacterial species that includes a number of pathogens: Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, Mycobacterium leprae causes leprosy. The bacterium’s unique cell wall structure makes it largely insensitive to a number of different antibiotics.
myxobacteria
definition
Myxobacteria are…
Non-pathogenic bacteria that live in the soil and that exhibit social behavior by forming communities consisting of thousands of cells. They produce natural substances some of which can be used as therapeutics.
natural killer cells
definition
Natural killer cells are…
Lymphocytes capable of destroying virus-infected cells and tumour cells without prior stimulation. They are part of the innate immune response.
necrosis
definition
Necrosis is…
Cell death prompted by external factors that trigger an inadequate supply of oxygen, or by toxic substances. As this cell death is not regulated as opposed to apoptosis, it frequently leads to localized inflammation.
nosocomial infection
definition
A nosocomial infection is…
Infection with a typicallymulti-resistant hospital bug. Due to frequent use of antibiotics, many germs that are resistant against conventional antibiotics are found in doctors’ offices and hospitals.
ecology
definition
Ecology refers to…
Field of biology concerned with the study of the interactions between organisms and between them and their environment.
oncogene
definition
An oncogene is…
Gene encoding the blueprint for a cancer-causing or cancer-promoting protein. In most cases, a mutant version of a gene regulating the cell cycle or controlling cellular growth.
opportunistic human pathogens
definition
Opportunistic human pathogens are…
Organisms which are only pathogenic under certain circumstances. Healthy people with an intact immune system cannot get sick from them. Patients with a weakened immune system, however, cannot defend themselves sufficiently against these pathogens.
organic molecules
definition
Organic molecules are…
With few exceptions, the compounds formed by the element carbon with itself and with other elements, specifically hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and the halogens. All biological building blocks are organic molecules.
pandemic
definition
A pandemic is…
The spread of an infectious disease across borders and continents.
papillomaviruses
definition
Papillomaviruses are…
Viruses, which infect the skin and mucous membranes and which can lead to development of tumours. While these may just be a benign wart, papillomaviruses are also known for causing cervical cancer.
parasite
definition
A parasite is…
Organism which lives at the expense of another, larger host organism. In most cases, the parasite harms but, as a rule, doesn’t kill the host. Examples of parasites include many species of worms and tics, but also the pathogens causing toxoplasmosis or malaria.
passive immunization
definition
Passive immunization means…
Emergency measure used in case of risk of a serious infection. Antibodies against the pathogen are injected into the body but the immune system does not make its own antibodies or memory cells. Vaccines can be administered intramuscularly (i.e. injected into a muscle) or subcutaneously (i.e. injected into the hypodermis) or they may be given orally.
pathogenic
Pathogenic means…
Causing disease.
Pathogenicity
definition
Pathogenicity means…
Ability of a pathogenic species to cause disease by infection.
PCR
abbreviation of
polymerase chain reaction
Method used to amplify DNA sequences in vitro. PCR exploits the properties of the enzyme DNA polymerase to synthesize a complementary strand of DNA from a template strand. Scientists can specify which segments the polymerase enzyme is to copy. The method is particularly useful when only small amounts of DNA are available. Popular tool used in diagnostics, molecular biology, forensics, and archaeology.
peptide
definition
A peptide is…
Short chain of amino acid building blocks.
plague
definition
Plague is…
Infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which, during the Middle Ages in Europe, claimed millions of lives. Today, the disease continues to pose a threat in some countries. The plague is an example of a zoonosis – the disease is transmitted from rat flea to human.
phagocytes
definition
Phagocytes are…
Scavenger cells of the defense system, which protect the body by ingesting bacteria, foreign particles, and dead cells and enzymatically breaking them down.
fungi
definition
Fungi are…
A kingdom of organisms comprising very diverse eukaryotes: mushrooms are as much a part of this kingdom as is the organism that causes athlete’s foot or baker’s yeast. Fungi produce substances with therapeutic potential: A mold named Penicillium chrysogenum, for example, produces the antibiotic penicillin.
plasma membrane
definition
The plasma membrane is…
Biological membrane which surrounds the living cell. It is made of a lipid bilayer and shields the cell from its environment.
plasma cells
definition
Plasma cells are…
Differentiated B cells that produce antibodies and release them to their environment.
plasmid
definition
A plasmid is…
Small circular piece of DNA which replicates independent of the genome. Plasmids are used in molecular biology as “gene ferries” that transport DNA.
smallpox
definition
Smallpox is…
Serious viral infectious disease. Typical symptoms include skin pustules. Smallpox are a prime example of a successful immunization campaign: First attempts at creating a vaccine were made by Edward Jenner in the 1700's. He immunized patients using extracts from bovine smallpox which are caused by a closely related virus. Patients were immune to human smallpox following this vaccine. Mass immunizations led to smallpox being officially declared eradicated by 1980. Today, only two high-security laboratories store frozen viral cultures.
polio
definition
Polio is…
Short for poliomyelitis, this disease of the nervous system caused by the polio virus may lead to paralysis. Children under the age of five are especially at risk. There is no treatment available, but a prophylactic oral vaccine does exist. Today, thanks to concerted global efforts, polio only still exists in three countries.
polyclonal antibodies
definition
Polyclonal antibodies are…
In contrast to monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies are made by many different B cells. They target the same antigen but recognize different regions of the antigen, in other words, different epitopes. They are obtained from the blood of animals that were vaccinated and are used in research as well as in passive immunizations.
polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
definition
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is…
Method used to amplify DNA sequences in vitro. PCR exploits the properties of the enzyme DNA polymerase to synthesize a complementary strand of DNA from a template strand. Scientists can specify which segments the polymerase enzyme is to copy. The method is particularly useful when only small amounts of DNA are available. Popular tool used in diagnostics, molecular biology, forensics, and archaeology.
prevalence
definition
Prevalence is…
A measure of the frequency of a disease at a given point in time. Prevalence is calculated by dividing the number with the disease by the number of people in the population.
primary infection
definition
A primary infection is…
First contact between a pathogen and the immune system.
prion
definition
A prion is…
Infectious abnormal variant of a protein which proliferates inside a host by forcing normal proteins of the same type to assume the abnormal form. Prion diseases include bovine spongiform encelphalopathy (BSE) in cows, scrapie in sheep, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob-disease in humans.
prokaryotes
definition
Prokaryotes are…
Microorganisms whose genetic material is not enclosed by a nuclear membrane as it is in eukaryotes. Bacteria and archaea are examples of prokaryotes.
prophylaxis
definition
Prophylaxis means…
Preventive measure against a disease, e.g. a vaccine.
protein
definition
A protein is…
Most important basic building block of a cell. Proteins are a class of macromolecules that give the cell its structure, interconvert chemical substances, receive signals, are messenger substances, or act as antibodies as part of the immune defense. Proteins are made up of amino acids that are arranged like pearls on a string. This string coils and folds upon itself until it gives rise to the shape the protein needs to be able to fulfil its function in the body. The information about the amino acid sequence in a protein is encoded by the corresponding gene.
proteome
definition
The proteome is…
The totality of all proteins in a cell or organism at a given point in time. Because new proteins are constantly being made and old ones degraded, the proteome’s composition is constantly changing. Scientists conduct proteome research e.g. to better understand what happens in the body during an infection.
Pseudomonas
definition
Pseudomonas is…
A genus of rod-shaped, Gram-negative bacteria with flagella. Found in nearly every type of environment. Pseudomonas include the species Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which causes disease in people with a weakened immune system.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
definition
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is…
See pseudomonas.
quorum sensing
definition
Quorum sensing means…
Chemical mode of communication used by many bacteria to influence which genes are switched on or off depending on the surrounding bacterial density. They do so by releasing a substance called an autoinducer to their environment. At the same time, they carry a molecule on their surface capable of recognizing autoinducers produced by other neighbouring bacteria. Some species of insects also use this mode of communication.
resistance
Resistance means…
See antibiotic resistance.
retroviruses
definition
Retroviruses are…
RNA-containing viruses. Following an infection, the RNA hereditary material is transcribed into DNA and becomes integrated into the host genome, where it is treated as part of the body’s own DNA, copied and used as a template for protein production by the cell’s protein-making machinery. HIV is an example of a retrovirus. Retroviruses are frequently used in gene technology to introduce genes into cells.
receptor
A receptor is…
Protein that specifically recognizes and binds a certain molecule. Receptors are found inside cells and on the cell surface. They are an important component of cellular signal transduction.
RNA
abbreviation of
RNA stands for…
Acronym, which stands for ribonucleic acid; macromolecule involved in coding and reading genes or in protein synthesis. RNA is made of a chain of building blocks called nucleotides, which “translate” the information contained in DNA into instructions for making a protein. Biologists distinguish between messenger, transfer, and ribosomal RNA.
Robert Koch-Institute (RKI)
definition
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) is…
Federal biomedical institution in Germany. The most important areas of work include recognition of and fight against infectious diseases as well as analysis of long-term health trends within the population.
Salmonella
definition
Salmonella are…
Bacterial species that can cause typhoid and salmonellosis. Salmonellosis is a very common diarrheal disease that is transmitted by ingesting contaminated animal products. It represents a major health threat for very young and older patients or for persons with an immune deficiency. Symptoms of typhoid include fever and abdominal pain and can be lethal if untreated.
SARS
abbreviation of
SARS stands for…
Severe acute respiratory syndrome; a highly virulent form of pneumonia caused by the corona virus. A 2003 SARS epidemic spread rapidly from Asia to Europe and America through air traffic. 8,000 cases were reported worldwide. Because of the short incubation period, patients could be quickly identified and isolated, which helped contain the epidemic.
mucous membrane
definition
A mucous membrane is…
Also called mucosa, this protective layer lines the inner surfaces of hollow organs. Mucosa often contains glands that secrete mucus.
oral vaccination
definition
Oral vaccination means…
Orally administered vaccine. Most vaccines do not survive passage through the digestive tract, making only a handful of vaccines suitable for this type of administration. The most famous example of an oral vaccination is the polio vaccination, which helped eradicate the disease in Europe.
smear infection
definition
A smear infection is…
Infection through contact with contaminated surfaces.
screening
definition
Screening means…
Systematic test protocol for examining a large number of samples or people for certain properties.
sepsis
definition
Sepsis is…
Infection of the blood circulatory system, which is often lethal. Sepsis develops if a pathogen or a toxin produced by it gets into the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body. This prompts activation of the entire immune system, leading to unchecked inflammation, a massive drop in blood pressure, and multiple organ failure.
sequencing
definition
Sequencing is…
Determining the base sequence in DNA or RNA to decode the hereditary information it contains. The term is also used to describe the amino acid sequence in a protein.
serological test
definition
A serological test is…
Antibody-antigen-test used to determine blood group and diagnose disease by testing for the presence of antibodies against a particular infectious agent.
Shigella
definition
Shigella are…
Bacterial genus which may cause bacillary dysentery (shigellosis). The disease is transmitted through contaminated water or food and is characterized by fever and severe diarrhea.
signal transduction
definition
Signal transduction means…
Transmission of an usually external signal inside the cell or organism. Receptors, enzymes, and messenger substances all figure prominently in this process. Signals can be combined, amplified, or attenuated. By studying these information processes, researchers are gleaning insights into the inner workings of a cell.
spot synthesis
definition
Spot synthesis is…
Method developed at the GBF for parallel synthesis of peptides, short chains of amino acids, on a cellulose membrane.
stem cell
definition
A stem cell is…
Relatively undifferentiated cell which has the capacity to divide indefinitely and in the process produce daughter cells, which themselves become stem cells or differentiate into specialized cell types.
Staphylococcus aureus
definition
Staphylococcus aureus is…
Bacterium that lives on the skin and mucous membranes in many people. In case of a compromised immune system, the opportunistic human pathogen causes wound infections and muscular disorders. It can also lead to an often deadly intoxication of the circulatory system. MRSA's, multiresistant strains of the bacterium, are much-feared.
staphylococci
definition
Staphylococci are…
Spherical, gram-positive bacteria that colonize skin and mucous membranes and which can cause disease.
sterile
definition
Sterile means…
Devoid of viable microorganisms.
sterilization
definition
Sterilization refers to…
Killing off all microorganisms and inactivating all viruses and nucleic acids found on or inside of an object. See autoclave.
STIKO
definition
STIKO stands for…
German Standing Committee on Vaccination; independent panel of experts coordinated by the Robert Koch Institute that publishes recommendations on how to protect against infectious diseases.
Streptococcus mutans
definition
Streptococcus mutans is…
Bacterial species of the genus streptococcus. Most important infectious agent behind dental caries, found in most people’s saliva.
streptococci
definition
Streptococci are…
A group of bacteria that causes many diseases including tonsillitis, dermatitits, dental caries, and pneumonia. Rheumatic heart disease is one dangerous potential outcome of a streptococcus infection. The bacteria are able to hide from the immune system and antibiotics inside the host tissue, making an infection challenging to treat.
structural biology
definition
Structural biology is…
Science concerned with the study of the spatial structures of molecules. The structure allows for conclusions to be drawn as to a molecule’s function.
susceptibility
definition
Susceptibility means…
Predisposition of a host for a given infectious disease. Also, susceptibility of a pathogen to a particular drug.
systems immunology
definition
Systems immunology means…
Research field concerned with the analysis of experimental data using methods from informatics and computer simulation. Scientists study mechanisms employed by the immune system to respond to an infectious disease. They develop mathematical models and make predictions about future experiments.
T cells
definition
T cells are…
Also called T lymphocytes, T cells, together with B cells, are part of the adaptive immune system. T cells are classified as either cytotoxic or helper T cells, which directly attack infected cells or orchestrate the immune response, respectively. Their name derives from their site of origin, the thymus.
tetanus
definition
Tetanus is…
Caused by the bacterial toxin produced by Clostridium tetani, which spreads inside wounds. Bacterial spores are found practically everywhere in the soil, which is why it is imperative to keep woundsclean. Tetanus is not transmitted from person to person. A vaccine does exist and is recommended by the Robert Koch Institute.
thrombocytes
definition
Thrombocytes are…
Blood platelets involved in blood clotting.
thymus
definition
The thymus is…
Lymphoid organ in the upper region of the chest, which lies immediately behind the sternum. Place of T cell development. In children, a sufficient reservoir of T cells is produced; beginning of puberty, the thymus regresses and loses its functionality.
transgenic mouse
definition
A transgenic mouse is…
Genetically engineered mouse whose cells contain additional, artificially introduced DNA. Transgenic mice are used to study the function and regulation of genes. They also serve as a model which helps to study human diseases more easily.
translation
definition
Translation means…
Exchange between different areas of research to facilitate processing of results in application. As such, findings from basic science research more quickly find their way into clinical research, where they undergo further testing. Questions that arise in the process are then sent back to the researchers in the lab. Translation thus helps speed up drug development, for example, which ultimately benefits patients.
droplet infection
definition
A droplet infection is…
Infection through contact with pathogen-containing droplets or aerosols, spread by the infected person during speaking, coughing, or sneezing. Tiny aerosols can remain suspended for hours and represent a source of infection. Influenza and tuberculosis are transmitted this way.
tuberculosis
definition
Tuberculosis is…
Disease of the lungs caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium first described by Robert Koch. Since 1990, a resurgence of the epidemic has been observed. Antibiotic-resistant strains are especially problematic. Around 1.4 million people are dying each year from “consumption.” Not everyone infected with the bacterium contracts tuberculosis. The risk is especially high in people with a weakened immune system. As such, tuberculosis is the chief cause of death in people with AIDS.
vaccination
definition
Vaccination is…
Immunization.
vaccine
definition
A vaccine is…
A substance or mixture of different substances used to prompt the immune system to mount a response against a given pathogen. Attenuated vaccines contain live pathogen that has been disabled in their virulent properties. Inactivated or killed vaccines are made of pathogens that have been killed off, of certain parts of pathogens, or of toxins. In many cases, an adjuvant is added to a vaccine.
virulence
definition
Virulence means…
The extent of pathogenicity of a pathogenic strain.
avian flu
definition
Avian flu is…
Zoonosis caused by the influenza virus. Natural reservoirs include marine birds. 1997 saw the first documented case of the H5N1 viral subtype jumping species from birds to humans. Such a rare infection follows human contact with infected animals. So far, there have been no reported cases of a person-to-person transmission of H5N1.
WHO
definition
WHO stands for…
The World Health Organization. The United Nations’ health agency is concerned with global health issues, disseminating information about diseases, and tracking and evaluating health data. The WHO's goal is to fight disease, in particular infectious diseases.
host
definition
A host is…
Organism which hosts another organism or virus. This can be beneficial to the host, as is the case with a symbiotic relationship, or harm it if it is parasite infested. The advantage for the intruder lies in using the host to obtain protection or food or exploiting its protein synthesis machinery for the production of its own proteins.
host-pathogen-interaction
definition
Host-pathogen-interaction means…
Interaction between an infectious agent and the host it has infected. The host responds to the pathogen and tries to fight it off. Over the course of evolution, pathogens have often evolved mechanisms to evade the host immune response.
wound infection
A wound infection is…
Usually a bacterial infection of injured skin accompanied by a localized inflammatory response.
Yersinia
definition
Yersinia is…
Genus of rod-shaped bacteria whose most well-known representative is Yersinia pestis, the pathogen behind pulmonary and bubonic plague. Spoiled food, specifically pork, can lead to infection with Yersinia enterocolitica, which is accompanied by diarrhea and abdominal pain. The third pathogenic species is Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, a close relative of the plague pathogen, which causes gastroenteritis.
cell culture
definition
Cell culture is…
Growing living cells in a nutrient medium. Cell cultures can be used to study processes taking place inside living cells or to make biological products like monoclonal antibodies. Scientists use immortalized cell lines that divide infinitely. In most cases, these are tumour cells. The best known examples are HeLa cells.
zoonosis
definition
Zoonosis is…
Infectious disease transmitted from animal to human, like avian flu. The number of zoonoses is increasing because of changes in factory farming, increased mobility, and population growth.
cytokines
definition
Cytokines are…
Proteins that influence the behaviour of other cells, in particular their growth and differentiation.
cytoskeleton
definition
The cytoskeleton is…
Dynamic system of protein fibers inside eukaryotic cells, which gives the cell its shape and allows directional movement. It plays an important role in transport processes within the cell as well as during cell division.

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adaptive immunity

adenoviruses

adhesion

adjuvant

AIDS

actin

active immunization

algorithm

allergy

amino acid

amyloid

innate immunity

antibiotic resistance

antigens

antigen-specific cell

anti-infectives

antibodies

apoptosis

autoimmune disease

autoinducer

autoclave

autophagy

B cells

Bacillus anthracis

bacteria

bacteriophages

biodegradation

biofilm

blood-brain-barrier

blood clotting

chemotherapy

cholera

COPD

diversity

DNA

flow cytometry

E. coli

Ebola

eHealth

EHEC

single-celled organisms

endemic

inflammation

epidemic

Epidemiology

epitope

erythrocyte

Escherichia coli

eukaryotes

GBF

memory cells

gene

genetically engineered organism

gene therapy

influenza

H5N1

Haemophilus influenza

HeLa cells

Helicobacter pylori

hepatitis

meningitis

HIV

hormone

human pathogens

immune defense

immunodeficiency

immunsuppression

immune system

in silico

in vitro

in vivo

infection

source of infection

influenza viruses

incubation period

Interferon

internalin

invasion

incidence

catheter