Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Diphtheria antitoxin

    The protective antibody formed after exposure to Corynebacterium diphtheriae or its toxoid. The object of immunization with diphtheria toxoid is to develop high enough titers of this antibody to prevent diphtheria on subsequent exposures.  

  • Surgical diphtheria

    Diphtheritic membrane formation on wounds.  

  • Laryngeal diphtheria

    A complication of diphtheria caused by extension of the membrane from the pharynx with gradual occlusion of the airway. The signs are restlessness, use of accessory respiration muscles, and development of cyanosis. If this condition is not remedied effectively, death results.  

  • Cutaneous diphtheria

    A skin infection, usually at the site of a wound, caused by C. diphtheriae, usually occurring in humid, tropical regions with poor sanitation. It is characterized by slow healing and shallow ulcers containing a tough grayish membrane. It is treated with diphtheria antitoxin and penicillin or erythromycin.  

  • Diphosphatidylglycerol

    An extract of beef hearts that contains phosphorylated polysaccharide esters of fatty acids. It is used in certain tests for syphilis.  

  • Diphallus

    A condition in which there is either complete or incomplete doubling of the penis or clitoris.  

  • Dipeptidase

    An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of dipeptides to amino acids.  

  • Dipalmityl lecithin

    A major constituent of pulmonary surfactant.  

  • Dioxybenzone

    A topical sunscreen that blocks ultraviolet A and B.  

  • Dioxide

    A compound having two oxygen atoms per molecule.