Category: M

A phylum of animals that includes the bivalves (mussels, oysters, clams), slugs, and snails. Snails are intermediate hosts for many parasitic flukes. Oysters, clams, and mussels, especially if inadequately cooked, may transmit the hepatitis A virus or bacterial pathogens.  

A class of very small bacteria, some of which have cell walls and others of which have no cell walls but are surrounded instead by a cell membrane. It includes several genera that cause human diseases, including Erysipelothrix (a gram-positive rod shaped bacterium that has a cell wall), Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma.  

A form of meningitis characterized by recurring bouts of headache with fever, cerebrospinal fluid leukocytosis, and signs of meningeal irritation. The cause is unknown although some cases may be caused by herpesviruses.  

Effort to establish any normal function, especially that necessary to establish the menstrual flow.  

Antigenic similarity between molecules found on some disease-causing microorganisms and on specific previously healthy body cells or tissues. Molecular mimicry is one explanation for autoimmune diseases. After infection with a microorganism whose surface contains antigens similar to those found in the body, the immune system may respond inappropriately by trying to damage these cells with…

The study of the functional molecules within tissues, using techniques such as immunocytochemistry or in situ hybridization.  

Disease due to a defect in a single molecule. An example is sickle cell anemia, in which a single amino acid substitution in the hemoglobin molecule causes the abnormally shaped red cells characteristic of this disease.  

The development and use of biomarkers to diagnose diseases, such as hematologic and solid cancers.  

A malformed first molar with dwarfed cusps and aggregations of enamel globules around the surface so that the crown has the appearance of a berry. This condition is seen in congenital syphilis and other diseases.  

The number of moles of a solute per kilogram of solvent.