Glossary
Explore our glossary of key terms related to mycology, infectious disease, microbiology, and epidemiology—helping you navigate the language of healthcare with clarity.
µ
µL
Microliter
A
Abiotic
Nonliving chemical and physical factors in an environment.
Adaptive immune response
Response of the vertebrate immune system to a specific antigen that typically generates immunological memory.
AFB
Acid Fast Bacilli. All mycobacteria are acid fast.
Agglutination
The clumping of cells such as bacteria or red blood cells in the presence of an antibody. The antibody or other molecule binds multiple particles and joins them, creating a large complex.
Aggressive
In plant pathology, the quality of being able to cause more disease more quickly on susceptible host plants.
AHD
Advance HIV Disease
Aliquot
A portion of a larger whole, especially a sample taken for chemical analysis or other treatment
AMR
antimicrobial Resistance
Analyte
A substance whose chemical constituents are being identified and measured
Anthropogenic
Caused or produced by humans.
Antibiotic
Class of substances that can kill or inhibit the growth of some groups of microorganisms. Used in this report to refer to chemicals active against bacteria. Originally antibiotics were derived from natural sources (e.g., penicillin from molds), but many currently used antibiotics are semi-synthetic and modified with additions of manmade chemical components.
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Antibody (Ab)
Also known as immunoglobulin is a large Y-shape protein produced by plasma cells that are used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects such as bacteria and viruses. The antibody recognizes a unique part of the foreign target, called an antigen. Each tip of the "Y" of an antibody contains a paratope (a structure analogous to a lock) that is specific for one particular epitope (similarly analogous to a key) on an antigen, allowing these two structures to bind together with precision.
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Antibody therapy
Any therapeutic intervention in which a monoclonal or other concentrated antibody is used to manage a condition, such as cancer or severe infection.
Antifungal
A medication used to treat fungal infections
Antigen (Ag)
Abbreviation for antibody generator is any structural substance which serves as a target for the receptors of an adaptive immune response, TCR or BCR or its secreted form antibody, respectively.
ARF
Acute respiratory failure
Ascomycete
Any of various fungi belonging to the phylum Ascomycota, characterized by the presence of sexually produced spores formed within an ascus. Like most fungi, ascomycetes also reproduce asexually by the formation of nonsexual spores called conidia at the ends of filaments known as hyphae.
Aspergillus
A genus of mitosporic fungi containing about 100 species and eleven different teleomorphs in the family Trichocomaceae.
Aspergillus acid proteinase
Included in the group of microbial carboxyl proteinases EC 3.4.23.6; has been sequenced; GenBank D87681
Aspergillus flavus
A species of imperfect fungi which grows on peanuts and other plants and produces the carcinogenic substance aflatoxin. It is also used in the production of the antibiotic flavicin.
Aspergillus fumigatus
A species of imperfect fungi from which the antibiotic fumigatin is obtained. Its spores may cause respiratory infection in birds and mammals.
Aspergillus nidulans
A species of imperfect fungi from which the antibiotic nidulin is obtained. Its teleomorph is Emericella nidulans.
Aspergillus niger
An imperfect fungus causing smut or black mold of several fruits and vegetables such as grapes, apricots, onions, and peanuts, and is a common contaminant of food.
Aspergillus ochraceus
An imperfect fungus that produces ochratoxins which contaminates edible grain and coffee beans.
Aspergillus oryzae
An imperfect fungus present on most agricultural seeds and often responsible for the spoilage of seeds in bulk storage. It is also used in the production of fermented food or drink, especially in Japan.
Assay
Analytic procedure to qualitatively assess or quantitatively measure presence or amount or functional activity of a target entity
Asymptomatic
Presenting no symptoms of disease.
Asymptomatic carriers
A person or animal that has contracted an infectious disease, but displays no symptoms yet has the ability to transmit it to others.
Atrophic
Relating to or characterized by atrophy, often used to describe tissues affected by fungal infections.
B
Bacteria
Microscopic, single-celled organisms that have some biochemical and structural features different from those of animal and plant cells.
Basidiomycetes
Any various fungi belonging to the phylum Basidomycota, bearing sexually produced spores on a basidium. All hyphae of basidiomycetes are divided into segments by septa and go through three stages of development.
BDG
Beta-D glucan
Biofuel
Fuel produced from renewable resources, especially plant biomass, vegetable oils, and treated municipal and industrial wastes.
Biological invasion
The process by which species (or genetically distinct populations), with no historical record in an area, breach biogeographic barriers and extend their range.
Bioluminescence
Light produced by a chemical reaction that originates in an organism.
Biota
The animal and plant life of a given region.
Blastomyces
A genus of yeast-like fungi that can cause blastomycosis, a fungal infection that affects the lungs and skin.
Broad-Spectrum Antifungal
Brugs that can treat a wide range of fungi, molds, and yeasts.
C
C. dubliniensis
A multidrug resistance protein isolated from Candida albicans; confers resistance to the chemical cycloheximide; shares about 92% identity at the nucleotide sequence level with C. dubliniensis CdCDR1 gene; GenBank X77589
C. gatti
Encapsulated yeast found primarily in tropical and subtropical climates. Cryptococcus gattii causes the human diseases of pulmonary cryptococcosis (lung infection), basal meningitis, and cerebral cryptococcomas. Occasionally, the fungus is associated with skin, soft tissue, lymph node, bone, and joint infections. In recent years, it has appeared in British Columbia, Canada and the Pacific Northwest. From 1999 through to early 2008, two hundred and sixteen people in British Columbia have been infected with C. gattii, and eight died from complications related to it. In 2007, the fungus appeared for the first time in the United States, in Whatcom County, Washington and in April 2010 had spread to Oregon. The most recently identified strain, designated VGIIc, and is particularly virulent.
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C. glabrata
A species of mitosporic fungi commonly found on the body surface. It causes opportunistic infections especially in immunocompromised patients.
C. neoformans
Infection with C. neoformans is termed cryptococcosis. Most infections with C. neoformans consist of a lung infection. However, fungal meningitis and encephalitis, especially as a secondary infection for AIDS patients, are often caused by C. neoformans making it a particularly dangerous fungus. Infections with this fungus are rare in those with fully functioning immune systems. For this reason, C. neoformans is sometimes referred to as an opportunistic fungus. C. neoformans has a prominent capsule composed mostly of polysaccharides.
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C. parapsilosis
A species of mitosporic fungi and opportunistic pathogen associated with its ability to form biofilms in catheters and parenteral nutrition IV lines. C. parapsilosis complex includes closely related species C. orthopsilosis; and C. metapsilosis.
C. tropicalis
A species of mitosporic fungi that is a major cause of septicemia and disseminated candidiasis, especially in patients with lymphoma; leukemia; and diabetes mellitus. It is also found as part of the normal human mucocutaneous flora.
Candida
A genus of yeast-like mitosporic Saccharomycetales fungi characterized by producing yeast cells, mycelia, pseudomycelia, and blastophores. It is commonly part of the normal flora of the skin, mouth, intestinal tract, and vagina, but can cause a variety of infections, including candidiasis; onychomycosis; vulvovaginal candidiasis; and candidiasis, oral (thrush).
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Candida albicans
A unicellular budding fungus which is the principal pathogenic species causing candidiasis (moniliasis).
Candida auris
A species of yeast in genus Candida. C. auris infection is most often associated with immunocompromised patients in healthcare settings. Invasive candidiasis and colonization pose a treatment challenge when multidrug resistant strains are involved.
Candida glabrata
A species of mitosporic fungi commonly found on the body surface. It causes opportunistic infections especially in immunocompromised patients.
Candida parapsilosis
A species of mitosporic fungi and opportunistic pathogen associated with its ability to form biofilms in catheters and parenteral nutrition IV lines. C. parapsilosis complex includes closely related species C. orthopsilosis; and C. metapsilosis.
Candida tropicalis
A species of mitosporic fungi that is a major cause of septicemia and disseminated candidiasis, especially in patients with lymphoma; leukemia; and diabetes mellitus. It is also found as part of the normal human mucocutaneous flora.
Candidiasis
Infection with a fungus of the genus candida. It is usually a superficial infection of the moist areas of the body and is generally caused by candida albicans. (Dorland, 27th ed)
Capsular Polysaccharide
Pathogenic bacteria commonly produce a thick, mucous-like, layer of polysaccharide. This "capsule" cloaks antigenic proteins on the bacterial surface that would otherwise provoke an immune response and thereby lead to the destruction of the bacteria. Mixtures of capsular polysaccharides, either conjugated or native are used as vaccines. Bacteria and many other microbes, including fungi and algae, often secrete polysaccharides to help them adhere to surfaces and to prevent them from drying out.
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Chronic
Relating to an illness or a medical condition that is characterized by long duration or frequent recurrence.
CI
Confidence interval
Climate
Average meteorological conditions over a specified time period, usually at least a month, resulting from interactions among the atmosphere, oceans, and land surface. Climate variations occur over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.
Coccidioides
Also known as San Joaquin Valley Fever, an infectious fungal disease largely confined to the Western Hemisphere and endemic in the Southwestern United States. The host acquires the disease via respiratory inhalation of spores disseminated in their natural habitat. The most common clinical syndrome in the other 40% of infected patients is an acute respiratory illness characterized by fever, cough, and pleuritic pain. Skin manifestations, such as erythema nodosum, are also common with Coccidioides infection. Coccidioides infection can cause severe and difficult to-treat meningitis in AIDS and other immunocompromised patients, and occasionally in immunocompetent hosts. Infection can sometimes cause acute respiratory distress syndrome and fatal multilobar pneumonia. The risk of symptomatic infection increases with age.
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Coccidioidomycosis
Infection with a fungus of the genus coccidioides, endemic to the southwestern United States. It is sometimes called valley fever but should not be confused with rift valley fever. Infection is caused by inhalation of airborne, fungal particles known as arthroconidia, a form of fungal spores. A primary form is an acute, benign, self-limited respiratory infection. A secondary form is a virulent, severe, chronic, progressive granulomatous disease with systemic involvement. It can be detected by use of coccidioidin.
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Colonize
The spreading of a species into a new habitat.
Colony collapse disorder
A syndrome characterized by the disappearance of all adult honey bees in a hive while immature bees and honey remain.
Colony-forming unit
A standard unit of measurement for environmental sampling. Colonies reflect the number of “viable” organisms.
Commensals
Organisms in a mutually symbiotic relationship where both live peacefully together while not being completely dependent on one another.
Communicable disease
An infectious disease transmissible by direct contact with an affected individual or the individual’s discharges or by indirect means.
Conidia
Asexually produced fungal spore.
Contagious
Capable of being transmitted by direct or indirect contact, as an infectious disease.
Corn Belt
The area in the Midwestern United States—roughly covering western Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, eastern Nebraska, and eastern Kansas—in which corn (maize) and soybeans are the dominant crops.
CrAg
Cryptococcal Anitgen
CrAg LFA
Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay is an immunochromatographic dipstick assay for the qualitative and semiquanitative detection of cryptococcal antigen. This lateral flow assay is revolutionizing cryptococcal antigen testing, by delivering analytical sensitivity that is up to 200x more sensitive than other commercial assays. The CrAg® LFA is empowering health care providers in all clinical settings with rapid, reliable, and robust diagnostic results.
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Cryptococcal Meningitis
Infection of the meninges, the tissue covering the brain, is believed to result from dissemination of the fungus from either an observed or unappreciated pulmonary infection. People with defects in their cell-mediated immunity, for example, people with AIDS, are especially susceptible to disseminated cryptococcosis. Cryptococcosis is often fatal, even if treated. It is estimated that the three-month case-fatality rate is 9% in high-income regions, 55% in low/middle-income regions, and 70% in sub-Saharan Africa. As of 2009 there were globally approximately 958,000 annual cases and 625,000 deaths within three months after infection.
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Cryptococcosis (cryptococcal disease)
A potentially fatal fungal disease. Begins as a respiratory infection and leads to Cryptococcal Meningitis if left untreated. It is caused by one of two species; Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. Cryptococcosis is a defining opportunistic infection for AIDS, and is the second-most-common AIDS-defining illness in Africa. Other conditions that pose an increased risk include certain lymphomas (e.g., Hodgkin's lymphoma), sarcoidosis, liver cirrhosis, and patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy. Distribution is worldwide in soil. The prevalence of cryptococcosis has been increasing over the past 20 years for many reasons, including the increase in incidence of AIDS and the expanded use of immunosuppressive drugs. Cryptococcosis is believed to be acquired by inhalation of the infectious propagule from the environment. C. Neformans.
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Cryptococcus
A genus of fungus. These fungi grow in culture as yeasts. Term used when referring to the yeast states of the fungi. Cryptococcus can cause the life threatening infection cryptococcosis
Cryptococcus gattii
A species of the fungus Cryptococcus. Its teleomorph is Filobasidiella bacillispora.
Cryptococcus neoformans
A species of the fungus Cryptococcus. Its teleomorph is Filobasidiella neoformans.
Cryptococcus neoformans
A species of the fungus Cryptococcus. Its teleomorph is Filobasidiella neoformans.
CSF
Cerebral spinal fluid
Cultivar
A variety of a plant that has been created or selected intentionally and maintained through cultivation.
Culture
The cultivation of fungi from clinical specimens to identify the pathogen.
D
Dermatophyte
A type of fungus that infects the skin, hair, or nails.
Detection
The act of discovering a novel, emerging, or reemerging disease or disease event.
Diagnosis
The identification of a condition, disease, or injury made by evaluating the symptoms and signs presented by an individual.
Diluent
A substance used to dilute something
Dimorphic
The existence of two distinct types of individuals within a species, usually differing in one or more characteristics such as coloration, size, and shape.
Dimorphic Fungus
Organisms that can exist in two forms: yeast and hyphae, or mold and yeast.
Disease
A situation in which infection has elicited signs and symptoms in the infected individual; the infection has become clinically apparent. Some exposures to infectious disease-causing agents can also produce asymptomatic illnesses that can be spread to others.
Disease burden
The impact of a health problem in an area measured by financial cost, mortality, morbidity, or other indicators. It is often quantified in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) or disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), which combine the burden due to both death and morbidity into one index.
E
Ecosystem
A community of organisms together with their physical environment, viewed as a system of interacting and interdependent relationships and including such processes as the flow of energy through trophic levels and the cycling of chemical elements and compounds of the system.
Ecosystem services
Benefits derived from a multitude of resources and processes that are supplied by natural ecosystems (e.g., decomposition of waste, food, energy, nutrient dispersal, and cycling).
EIA
Enzyme immunoassay
ELISA
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (interchangeable with EIA).
Emerging infectious disease
Infections that are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range.
Emigration
To leave one’s usual country of residence to settle in another.
Endemic
Present in a community or common among a group of people; said of a disease prevailing continually in a region.
Endemic Mycoses
Fungal infections that occur in specific geographic regions.
Endophytes
Fungi that live inside the plant tissue, but without causing any obvious negative effects.
Endosymbiont
An organism that lives inside another organism, most often for the benefit of the two (e.g., rhizobia [nitrogen-fixing soil bacterial] that live within root nodules—rhizobia cannot independently fix nitrogen, but need the plant as an energy source; in turn, rhizobia supply the plant host with ammonia and amino acids).
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Environmental microbe
Microbe acquired from the environment (in contrast to acquisition from other living hosts).
Enzootic
A disease of low morbidity that is constantly present in an animal community.
Enzyme
Any of numerous proteins produced in living cells that accelerate or catalyze the metabolic processes of an organism.
Enzyme immunoassay
An analytic biochemistry assay, ELISA involves detection of an "analyte" (i.e. the specific substance whose presence is being quantitatively or qualitatively analyzed) in a liquid sample by a method that continues to use liquid reagents during the "analysis" (i.e. controlled sequence of biochemical reactions that will generate a signal which can be easily quantified and interpreted as a measure of the amount of analyte in the sample) that stays liquid and remains inside a reaction chamber or well needed to keep the reactants contained; It is opposed to "dry lab" that can use dry strips – and even if the sample is liquid (e.g. a measured small drop), the final detection step in "dry" analysis involves reading of a dried strip by methods such as reflectometry and does not need a reaction containment chamber to prevent spillover or mixing between samples.
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Epidemic
The condition in which a disease spreads rapidly through a community in which that disease is normally not present or is present at a low level.
Epidemiology
The study of the distribution and determinants of fungal infections in populations.
Epizootic
A disease of high morbidity that is only occasionally present in an animal community.
Eradication
Reduction of the worldwide incidence of a disease to zero as a result of deliberate efforts.
Etiologic agent
The organism that causes a disease.
Etiological
Of or pertaining to causes or origins.
Etiology
Science and study of the causes of diseases and their mode of operation.
Eukaryotic organism
One of the three domains of life. The two other domains, Bacteria and Archaea, are prokaryotes and lack several features characteristic of eukaryotes (e.g., cells containing a nucleus surrounded by a membrane and whose DNA is bound together by proteins [histones] into chromosomes). Animals, plants, and fungi are all eukaryotic organisms.
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Expression vectors
A plasmid that is used to introduce a specific gene into a target cell. Once the expression vector is inside the cell, the protein that is encoded by the gene is produced by the cellular-transcription and translation machinery ribosomal complexes. The plasmid is frequently engineered to contain regulatory sequences that act as enhancer and promoter regions and lead to efficient transcription of the gene carried on the expression vector.
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Extreme weather
Refers to weather phenomena that are at the extremes of the historical distribution and are rare for a particular place and/or time, especially severe or unseasonal weather. Such extremes include severe thunderstorms, severe snowstorms, ice storms, blizzards, flooding, hurricanes, high winds, and heat waves.
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F
Fermentation
The process by which complex organic compounds, such as glucose, are broken down by the action of enzymes into simpler compounds without the use of oxygen.
Food security
The availability of food and one’s access to it. A household is considered food secure when its occupants do not live in hunger or fear of starvation.
Fungal Culture
The process of growing fungi from clinical specimens to identify the causative organism.
Fungemia
The presence of fungi or yeast in the blood.
Fungi/fungal/fungus
For the purposes of this publication, the terms fungi, fungal, and fungus are used inclusively to describe all organisms traditionally studied by mycologists—including species that are now excluded from Kingdom Fungi (e.g., Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora infestans) or whose relationship to the fungal kingdom has yet to be determined (e.g., the microsporidia Nosemus spp.).
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G
Genome
The complete genetic composition of an organism (e.g., human, bacterium, protozoan, helminth, fungus), contained in a chromosome or set of chromosomes or in a DNA or RNA molecule (e.g., a virus).
Genomics
The study of all the genes in a person, as well as interactions of those genes with each other and with that person’s environment.
Genotype
The genetic makeup of an organism as distinguished from its physical characteristics.
Genus
A group of species with similar characteristics that are closely related.
Germinate
The beginning of growth, as of a seed, spore, or bud.
Globalization
The increased interconnectedness and interdependence of peoples and countries. It is generally understood to include two interrelated elements: (1) the opening of borders to increasingly fast flows of goods, services, finance, people, and ideas across international borders, and (2) the changes in institutional and policy regimes at the international and national levels that facilitate or promote such flows.
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H
Haploid
Having a single set of each chromosome in a cell or cell nucleus. In most animals, only the gametes are haploid.
Hematology
The branch of medicine concerned with the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to the blood.
Hibernacula
A protective case, covering, or structure, such as a cave, in which an organism remains dormant for the winter.
Histoplasma
A mitosporic Onygenales fungal genus causing histoplasmosis in humans and animals. Its single species is Histoplasma capsulatum which has two varieties: H. capsulatum var. capsulatum and H. capsulatum var. duboisii. Its teleomorph is Ajellomyces capsulatus.
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Histoplasma capsulatum
A species of dimorphic fungus. Its sexual form is called Ajellomyces capsulatus. It can cause pulmonary and disseminated histoplasmosis.
Histoplasmosis
A fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum.
Host
Animal or plant that harbors or nourishes another organism.
HSCT
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Hypha (pl. Hyphae)
The long, branching filamentous structures of a fungus.
Hyphae
Slender tubes that develop from germinated spores and form the structural parts of the body of a fungus. A large mass of hyphae is known as a mycelium, which is the growing form of most fungi.
I
ICU
Intensive care unit
Immunoassay
Antibody or antigen detection. A biochemical test that measures the presence or concentration of a macromolecule in a solution through the use of an antibody or immunoglobulin. The macromolecule detected by the immunoassay is often referred to as an "analyte" and is in many cases a protein. Analytes in biological liquids such as serum or urine are frequently measured using immunoassays for medical and research purposes.
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Immunochromatographic
lateral flow test; strip tests
Immunocompetence
The ability of the immune system to respond appropriately to an antigenic stimulation.
Immunocompromised
Having an impaired immune system, which increases susceptibility to fungal infections.
Incidence
As used in epidemiology, the number of new cases of a disease that occur in a defined population within a specified time period; the rate of occurrence.
Incoterm
terms and conditions for shipping products
Incubation period
The time from the moment of inoculation (exposure to the infecting organism) to the appearance of clinical manifestations of a particular infectious disease.
India Ink
A diagnostic test used to detect the cryptococcal organism C. neoformans. A dye, called India ink, is added to a sample of CSF fluid, and if the fungi are present, they will become visible as the dye binds to the capsule surrounding the fungus.
Infection
The invasion of the body or a part of the body by a pathogenic agent, such as a microorganism or virus. Under favorable conditions the agent develops or multiplies; the results may produce injurious effects. Infection should not be confused with disease.
Innate immune response
Immune response (of both vertebrates and invertebrates) to a pathogen that involves the preexisting defenses of the body, such as barriers formed by skin and mucosa, antimicrobial molecules, and phagocytes. Such a response is not specific for the pathogen.
Inoculum
Collective term for microorganisms or their parts (spores, mycelial fragments, etc.), which are capable of infection or symbiosis when transferred to a host.
Internal transcribed spacer sequences
Internal transcribed spacer sequences are sections of non-functional RNA that are highly variable, even between closely related species, and are widely used for taxonomy purposes.
International Health Regulations (IHR)
An international legal instrument that is binding on 194 countries across the globe, including all the Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO). Their aim is to help the international community prevent and respond to acute public health risks that have the potential to cross borders and threaten people worldwide. The IHR, which entered into force on June 15, 2007, requires countries to report certain disease outbreaks and public health events to WHO. Building on the unique experience of WHO in global disease surveillance, alert, and response, the IHR define the rights and obligations of countries to report public health events, and establish a number of procedures that WHO must follow in its work to uphold global public health security.
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Invasive species
Non-native plants and animals that, when introduced to new environments, reproduce or spread so aggressively that they harm their adopted ecosystems. Also called: exotic, alien, and non-indigenous species.
IQR
Interquartile range
IRB
Institutional review board
Itraconazole
An antifungal medication used to treat various fungal infections.
L
LA
Latex Agglutination
Latency
Delay between exposure to a disease-causing agent and manifestation of the disease (onset of infectiousness).
Latex Agglutination
Method used clinically in the identification and typing of many important microorganisms. These tests are based on and utilize the patient's antigen-antibody immune response. This response occurs when the body detects a pathogen and forms an antibody specific to an identified antigen (a protein configuration) present on the surface of the pathogen. Agglutination tests, specific to a variety of pathogens, can be designed and manufactured for clinicians by coating latex beads with pathogen-specific antigens. In performing a test, laboratory clinicians will mix normal saline serial dilutions a patient's CSF, serum or urine with the coated latex particles and observe for agglutination. Agglutination/clumping of the beads in any of the dilutions is considered a positive result, confirming that the patient has produced the pathogen-specific antibody.
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Lichen
Symbiotic associations between fungi and photosynthetic partners (algae).
Limit of Detection
With a limit of detection one intends to characterize the capability of a method or instrument to detect the analyte of interest
M
Macrophage
Phagocytic cell derived from blood monocytes, typically resident in most tissues. It has both scavenger and antigen-presenting functions in immune responses.
Meiosis
The process in cell division in sexually reproducing organisms that reduces the number of chromosomes from diploid to haploid (half the original number).
Mendelian
A single gene disorder caused by a defect in one particular gene, and characterized by how they are passed down in families.
Metabolites
A substance produced by the chemical processes by which cells produce the substances and energy needed to sustain life.
Miconazole
An antifungal medication used to treat skin infections.
Microbe
A microorganism or biologic agent that can replicate in humans (including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and prions).
Microbial flora
The microscopic organisms living within a particular region, including bodily organ or body part, such as the skin.
Microbial threat
Microbes that lead to disease in humans.
Microbiology
A branch of biology dealing especially with microscopic forms of life.
Microbiome
Term used to describe the collective genome of our indigenous microbes (microflora).
Microscopy
The technical field of using microscopes to view samples and objects that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Migration
The regular, usually seasonal, movement of all or part of an animal population to and from a given area.
Mitigation
Initiatives that reduce the risk from natural and man-made hazards.
mL
Milliliter
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monospecific antibodies that are made by identical immune cells that are all clones of a unique parent cell.
Monospecific
Affinity for the same antigen.
Morbidity
Diseased condition or state.
Mortality
Proportion of deaths to population or to a specific number of the population; death rate.
Mutation
Genetic change that can occur either randomly or at an accelerated rate through exposure to radiation or certain chemicals (mutagens) and may lead to change in structure of the protein coded by the mutated gene.
Mycelia, mycelium
The mass of fine branching tubes (known as hyphae) that forms the main growing structure of a fungus.
MycoDDR
(Digestion/decontamination Reagents) The MycoDDR™ empowers labs to maximize the retention of viable Mycobacteria via rigid pH control throughout the digestion/decontamination process.
Mycology
the branch of biology concerned with the study of fungi, including their genetic and biochemical properties, their taxonomy and their use to humans as a source for tinder, medicine (e.g., penicillin), food (e.g., beer, wine, cheese, edible mushrooms), and entheogens, as well as their dangers, such as poisoning or infection. A biologist specializing in mycology is called a mycologist.
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Mycorrhizal fungi
Fungi that colonize plant roots.
Mycosis (pl. Mycoses)
Any fungal infection.
N
Natural history
The natural development of something (such as an organism or disease) over a period of time.
Necropsy
An autopsy performed on an animal.
Neutrophil
Most common blood leukocyte; a short-lived phagocytic cell of the myeloid series, which is responsible for the primary cellular response to an acute inflammatory episode, and for general tissue homeostasis by removal of damaged material.
Notifiable disease
Disease that health professionals are required to report to state, national, or international authorities.
O
Objective
A view of truth or reality which is free of any individual's influence.
Obligate
Capable of existing only in a particular environment; an obligate parasite cannot survive independently of its host.
Old World
Refers to the Western Hemisphere; in a biological context: New World species are those from the Nearctic and Neotropic ecological zones; Old World species are those from the Palearctic and Afrotropic ecological zones.
One Health
Holistic approach to preventing epizootic disease and for maintaining ecosystem integrity for the benefit of humans, their domesticated animals, and the foundation biodiversity that supports all life.
Onychomycosis
A fungal infection of the nails.
Oomycete
Not a “true fungi”; an oomycete or “water mold” that belongs to the Kingdom Stramenopila (a major eukaryotic group that includes diatoms and brown algae, and is distinct from plants, fungi, and animals). Like fungi, oomycetes “exhibit filamentous growth, produce sexual and asexual spores, and can feed on decaying matter or be obligate parasites of plants.”
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Opportunistic
Resulting from pathogen entry via wounds or weakened state of the host, or as a disturbance of a normally benign host–fungus relationship.
OR
Odds ratio
P
Pandemic
Disease outbreak occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population.
Paracoccidioides
A mitosporic fungal genus. P. brasiliensis (previously Blastomyces brasiliensis) is the etiologic agent of paracoccidioidomycosis.
Paracoccidioidomycosis
A mycosis affecting the skin, mucous membranes, lymph nodes, and internal organs. It is caused most often by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. It is also called paracoccidioidal granuloma.
Parasite, parasitic
An organism that lives in or on and takes its nourishment from another organism. A parasite cannot live independently. Parasitic diseases include infections by protozoa, helminths, and arthropods.
Pathogen
Organism capable of causing disease.
Pathogenic
Capable of causing disease.
Pathogenic Fungus
A fungus capable of causing disease.
Pathogenicity
The ability of an organism, a pathogen, to produce an infectious disease in another organism.
Pathology
The branch of medicine concerned with disease, especially its structure and its functional effects on the body.
Phagocyte/phagocytic cell
A cell that is capable of phagocytosis, or the uptake of particulate material by a cell. The main mammalian phagocytes are neutrophils and macrophages.
Phenology
The scientific study of cyclical biological events, such as flowering, breeding, and migration.
Phenotype
The physical appearance of an organism as distinguished from its genetic makeup (genotype).
Phylogeny
The connections among all groups of organisms as understood by ancestor/descendant relationships.
Phylum
In taxonomy and systematics: the highest level of classification below the kingdom.
Pneumocystis
A genus of ascomycetous fungi, family Pneumocystidaceae, order Pneumocystidales. It includes various host-specific species causing Pneumocystis pneumonia in humans and other mammals.
Pneumocystis carinii
The prototype species of Pneumocystis infecting the laboratory rat. It was formerly called Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. carinii. Strains that infect humans and cause Pneumocystis pneumonia were originally classified as Pneumocystis jirovecii or Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. hominis.
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Pneumocystis Infections
Infections with species in the genus Pneumocystis, a fungus causing interstitial plasma cell pneumonia (pneumonia, Pneumocystis) and other infections in humans and other mammals. Immunocompromised patients, especially those with AIDS, are particularly susceptible to these infections. Extrapulmonary sites are rare but seen occasionally.
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Prevalence
Total number of cases (new as well as previous cases) of a disease in a given population at a point in time.
Primary fungal pathogen
Pathogens able to induce symptoms of disease in otherwise healthy individuals.
Pronase
Protease that digests proteins down to single amino acids; used to pre-treat specimens for latex agglutination testing
Propagules
Any of various structures that can give rise to a new individual organism. (For fungi, propagules include spores or encapsulated yeast cells.)
Prophylactic Antifungal Therapy
The use of antifungal medications to prevent fungal infections in high-risk patients.
Psychotropic
Affecting mental activity, behavior, or perception.
Public health
The art and science of dealing with the protection and improvement of community health by organized community effort and including preventive medicine and sanitary and social health.
Q
Qualitative
Specimens diluted 1:2 in 1X specimen diluent and analyzed.
Quarantine
The enforced isolation or restriction of free movement imposed to prevent the spread of a contagious disease.
R
Race (plant pathology)
A subspecies group of pathogens that infect a given set of plant varieties.
Reagent
Substance or compound that is added to a system in order to bring about a chemical reaction, or added to see if a reaction occurs
Recombination
A combining of genes or characters different from what they were in the parents.
Recombine
The process by which the combination of genes in an organism’s offspring becomes different from the combination of genes in that organism.
Reservoir
Any person, animal, arthropod, plant, soil, or substance (or combination of these) in which an infectious agent normally lives and multiplies, on which it depends primarily for survival, and in which it reproduces itself in such manner that it can be transmitted to a susceptible vector or host.
S
Saprophytic
Deriving nutrients from dead organic matter.
Semi-quantitative
Following a positive cryptococcal antigen qualitative test (screen) physicians may request a semi-quantitative/titration procedure be performed. The IMMY CrAg® LFA is a superior alternative to latex agglutination testing for semi-quantitative results, as it delivers more sensitive results, in a fraction of the time. The CrAg® LFA semi-quantitative procedure is similar to the traditional latex agglutination method; however, the initial dilution with the CrAg® LFA is 1:5 and with the latex method it is 1:2. Thereafter, both methods utilize two-fold serial dilutions. The key difference is rather than preparing dilutions on a ring slide, they are set-up in individual tubes with the CrAg® LFA. The last visible positive test line, will be called the end-point or the titer for the positive patient. While performing a semi-quantitative procedure on a lateral flow device may be a novel concept to many, the preparation and procedure is almost identical to the incumbent methodology currently being performed in the laboratory.
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Sensitivity
Also called the true positive rate, or the recall rate in some fields measures the proportion of actual positives which are correctly identified as such (e.g., the percentage of sick people who are correctly identified as having the condition), and is complementary to the false negative rate.
Serology
The scientific study of plasma serum and other bodily fluids. In practice, the term usually refers to the diagnostic identification of antibodies in the serum.
Serotype
Distinct variations within a species of bacteria or viruses or among immune cells of different individuals. These microorganisms, viruses, or cells are classified together based on their cell surface antigens, allowing the epidemiologic classification of organisms to the sub-species level.
Serum
The component that is neither a blood cell (serum does not contain white or red blood cells) nor a clotting factor; it is the blood plasma not including the fibrinogens. Serum includes all proteins not used in blood clotting (coagulation) and all the electrolytes, antibodies, antigens, hormones, and any exogenous substances (e.g., drugs and microorganisms).
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Somatic cells
The cells of the body, with the exception of the reproductive cells (gametes).
Species
The basic unit of taxonomy. A species is defined as a group of individuals that are genetically related and can interbreed to produce fertile young of the same kind.
Species barrier
Difficulty or impossibility for an infectious agent to pass from one species to another (due to differences between species).
Specificity
Sometimes called the true negative rate, measures the proportion of negatives which are correctly identified as such (e.g., the percentage of healthy people who are correctly identified as not having the condition), and is complementary to the false positive rate.
Spores
Well-protected structures that can survive in adverse environmental conditions, such as freezing or drying (better than mycelia and yeast cells), for months and even years.
Sporotrichosis
A fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii, often associated with rose thorns or gardening.
Subjective
Possessing perspectives, experiences, feelings, beliefs, desires, and/or power. Subjectivity is used as an explanation for what influences and informs people's judgments about truth or reality.
Surveillance
The continual scrutiny of all aspects of occurrence and spread of a disease that are pertinent to effective control, involves the systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of health data.
Susceptibility Testing
Laboratory testing to determine the sensitivity of fungi to antifungal medications.
Symbiotic
The close association between two or more organisms of different species, often but not necessarily benefiting each member. The association of algae and fungi in lichens and of bacteria living in the intestines or on the skin of animals are symbiotic.
Syndrome
A group or recognizable pattern of symptoms or abnormalities that indicate a particular trait or disease.
Systematics
The classification of organisms and the evolutionary relationships among them; taxonomy.
T
Thermotolerance
Garcia Solache and Casadevall (2010) define thermotolerance as the ability to grow at mammalian (37°C) and higher temperatures. Most fungi thrive in the range of 12°C to 30°C, but there are wide temperature tolerances among species, with some growing at temperatures as low as −10°C or as high as 65°C. [Garcia-Solache, M. A., and A. Casadevall. 2010. Hypothesis: global warming will bring new fungal diseases for mammals. mBio 1(1):1–3.]
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Tinea
A term used to describe fungal infections of the skin, such as tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and tinea corporis (ringworm).
Titer
A way of expressing concentration. Titer testing employs serial dilution to obtain approximate quantitative information from an analytical procedure that inherently only evaluates as positive or negative. The titer corresponds to the highest dilution factor that still yields a positive reading. The initial dilution with the CrAg® LFA is 1:5 and thereafter, utilizes a two-fold serial dilution.
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Transformation
The genetic alteration of a bacteria cell by the introduction of genetic material from another cell or from a virus.
Transmission
Process by which a pathogen passes from a source of infection to a new host.
Triazoles
A class of antifungal medications, including fluconazole and itraconazole.
Trident
Trident: A MycoDDR product; Specimens that are suspected to contain normal, transient, or contaminating bacterial flora should be subjected to a chemical decontamination process that allows for effective recovery of Mycobacteria spp. The mucolytic compound N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NALC) is combined with a sodium hydroxide:sodium citrate solution to digest the mucus, while the high pH of the sodium hydroxide (NaOH) kills any contaminating bacteria. The high pH of this solution can also kill mycobacterium after 15-20 minutes making the timing of the digestion/decontamination process critical. After the digestion/decontamination process is complete, it is equally critical that the solution be brought back to a neutral pH as quickly as possible. The 2.5% NaOH Reagent A includes a pH indicating reagent that changes from blue, at basic pH, to colorless at near neutral pH. This allows the laboratory technologist to visually titrate the solution using the included Neutralization Buffer B. The resulting solution is subjected to centrifugation and decanted. The resulting specimen sedimentation pellet is re-suspended in Resuspension Buffer C.
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V
Vaccine
A preparation of living, attenuated, or killed bacteria or viruses, fractions thereof, or synthesized or recombinant antigens identical or similar to those found in the disease-causing organism that is administered to raise immunity to a particular microorganism.
Valley Fever
Coccidioidomycosis
Vector
A carrier, especially an arthropod, that transfers an infective agent from one host (which can include itself) to another.
Vector borne
Transmitted from one host to another by a vector.
Virulence
The degree of pathogenicity of an organism as evidenced by the severity of resulting disease and the organism’s ability to invade the host tissues.
Virulence factors
Molecules produced by a pathogen that specifically cause disease, or that influence their host’s function to allow the pathogen to thrive.
Voriconazole
An antifungal medication used to treat serious fungal infections, including aspergillosis.
W
Weather
The state of the atmosphere over a short period of time, measured in terms of wind, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, cloudiness, and precipitation. The difference between weather and climate is a measure of time: Climate is how the atmosphere “behaves” over relatively long periods of time.
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X
Xylose
A white crystalline sugar extracted from wood, straw, and corn.
Y
Yeast
Any of various one-celled fungi that reproduce by budding and can cause the fermentation of carbohydrates, producing carbon dioxide and ethanol.
Z
Zoonotic infection
Infection that causes disease in human populations but that can be perpetuated solely in non-human host animals (e.g., bubonic plague); may be enzootic or epizootic.
Zygomycosis
A fungal infection caused by fungi of the Zygomycetes class, often affecting immunocompromised individuals.