Glossary

Category: K

  • Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis

    Anaerogenic in fermented carbohydrates. Associated with rhinoscleroma, a chronic upper respiratory tract disease of S.E. Europe. A species that can cause rhinoscleroma, a destructive granuloma of the nose and pharynx.  

  • Klebsiella ozaenae

    Species possessing some biochemical features of both Kl. rhinoscleromatis and Kl. pheumoniae, and antigenically close to the former.  

  • Klebsiella aerogenes

    Species frequently associated with human urinary infection, MR- and VP+—a reversal of other Klebsiella results in these tests. Colonial form large, slimy or viscous. Species includes all 72 serotypes.  

  • Kauffmann antigens

    Three types of antigen (L, A and B) carried on the surface of the enterobacteria, and significant owing to their ability to mask the 0 antigens, by means of which serological identification of such species is effected. The Kaufman antigens are differentiated by tests of thermolability, and resistance to the action of alcohol and formalin,…

  • Kahn flocculation test

    Test for syphilis, serum from positive cases flocculating when mixed with a lecithin-type ‘antigen’ extracted from normal beef heart muscle. Varying proportions of patient’s serum and saline- activated antigen are mixed, vigorously shaken, and diluted with further saline. A uniform opalescence is indicative of a negative reaction; flocculation indicates positivity. Some other infections (particularly leprosy…

  • Knowledge-based

    Supported by actual, relevant information. Knowledge used here means data. In health care, “knowledge” specifically means data about a particular population rather than generalizations about typical populations. The specific population may be that of a geographic community or that for which a given health care provider (HMO, MCO, physician) is responsible. The data are of…

  • Knowledge asymmetry

    The situation which exists when two individuals are attempting to come to a decision and the amount of information each has on the subject is very different. For example, until recent developments, physicians have had far more information on diseases and their treatment than patients, and attempts to empower patients to participate in decision-making on…

  • Kindergarten

    Kindergarten

    Full-day or half-day classes for children of about age five, offered in the year before the first grade, either in the same building as the elementary school or in a separate structure; sometimes called preprimary, junior primary, or primary. Kindergarten classes traditionally focused on play activities and social skills, as some preschools and nursery schools…

  • Key words

    The words most commonly taught to children in the early grades and generally found in materials written for them; lists of these words, such as the Doled Word List, are used by authors and publishers in preparing new materials for children of various age and grade levels.  

  • Kugelberg-Welander disease

    Kugelberg-Welander disease is one of a group of disorders referred to as spinal muscular atrophies (SMA); Kugelberg- Welander disease is SMA Type III. It is characterized by degeneration of the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord. It becomes evident between 2 and 17 years of age. Kugelberg- Welander disease is believed to be genetically…