Facts on File Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

S–T sarcoidosis An inflammatory disorder in which multiple granulomas (nodules of hardened LY M P H and fibrous tissues) form in ...

disorder far more common than doctors have long believed. Early diagnosis and treatment can mini- mize the consequences of the i ...

the diagnosis conclusive when a person has three consecutive months of symptoms that include extremely dry MOUTH and swollen sa ...

The diagnostic path is one of exclusion. It can take months to years for doctors to rule out other causes of the symptoms and se ...

of cell membranes. Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) stimulates the cells to grow, divide, and differentiate (cell pr ...

V vaccine A substance that initiates an IMMUNE RESPONSEto produce antibodies that prevent INFEC- TIONby the particular PATHOGEN. ...

which contains mercury. Because this heavy metal can cause neurologic damage, the United States has initiated a cooperative effo ...

and symptoms though each of which has unique traits. Vasculitis may be acute (come on suddenly, run its course, and be over) or ...

vasculitis 301 Type of Vasculitis Unique Symptoms Treatment and Outlook polyarteritis nodosa affects arteries in the LIVER, gast ...

fatigue FEVER MUSCLEaches and PAIN JOINTpain and swelling The doctor may conduct BLOODtests to measure ANTIBODYtypes and level ...

This section, “Infectious Diseases,” presents an overview discussion of illness due to infection and entries about systemic infe ...

took to drive from San Francisco to Seattle. Few infectious diseases today remain localized, though the risk of infection with t ...

Microbes and the mechanisms of infection As early as the 16th century some scientists postu- lated the existence of unseen organ ...

A abscess A localized INFECTIONcontaining pus, a fluid-based collection of white BLOODcells, BACTE- RIA, and the debris resultin ...

may sustain itself in a dormant stage for weeks to months outside a host (organism that provides NUTRIENTSfor a parasite). Once ...

COMMON ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS Aminoglycosides gentamicin neomycin tobramycin Cephalosporins cefaclor cefadroxil cefepime cefdini ...

spectrum antifungals are effective in treating spe- cific fungal infections. Topical preparations may be lotions, creams, ointme ...

antibiotic therapy recovers without complica- tions. Inhalation anthrax results when a person breathes B. anthracisinto the LUN ...

B babesiosis An illness that results fromINFECTION with the parasitic protozoan Babesia microti. Most people who have babesiosis ...

ronment, they are harmful to human health, and the IMMUNE SYSTEMestablishes mechanisms to stop, contain, or attack them should t ...