Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Portal of exit

    The pathway by which pathogens leave the body of a host (e.g., respiratory droplets, feces, urine, blood).  

  • Porphyromonas

    A genus of gram-negative, rod-shaped, anaerobic bacteria that inhabits the oral cavity. One species, Porphyromonas gingivalis, is a common cause of gingivitis and periodontal infection.  

  • Variegate hepatica

    A form of hepatic porphyria in which there are recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and neuropathy. The skin is especially fragile.  

  • Porphyria hepatica

    Porphyria caused by a disturbance in liver metabolism such as occurs following hepatitis, poisoning by heavy metals, certain anemias, and other conditions.  

  • Porphyria erythropoietica

    A mild form of porphyria characterized by cutaneous lesions and excess protoporphyrin in the erythrocytes and feces.  

  • Porphyria cutanea tarda

    A form of porphyria in which patients develop liver disease and rashes on parts of their bodies exposed to the sun (e.g., on the knuckles or face). The use of alcohol or estrogens may worsen the condition. The cause is a deficiency of uroporphylinogen decarboxylase. This condition typically arises in early adulthood. Skin sensitivity to…

  • Acute intermittent porphyria

    A rare metabolic disorder inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. It is characterized by excessive excretion of porphyrins, episodes of acute abdominal pain, sensitivity to light, and neurological disturbances. The disorder is sometimes precipitated by the excessive use of sulfonamides, barbiturates, or other drugs.  

  • Porosis

    Callus formation in repair of fractured bone.  

  • Eccrine poroma

    A tumor arising from the duct of an eccrine gland; usually occurring on the palm or sole,  

  • Cerebral poroma

    At postmortem examination, the presence of cavities in the brain substance caused by gas-forming bacteria.