| acyclovir | <drug> An antiviral medication used to treat herpes virus infections. Nucleoside analogue (hydroxyethoxymethyl guanine) with antiviral properties, active against both type 1 and 2 herpes virus. Inactive until phosphorylated by specific viral enzyme, thymidine kinase and then blocks replication by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis. (11 Nov 1997) |
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| bacterial capsules | An envelope of loose gel surrounding a bacterial cell which is associated with the virulence of pathogenic bacteria. Some capsules have a well-defined border, whereas others form a slime layer that trails off into the medium. most capsules consist of relatively simple polysaccharides but there are some bacteria whose capsules are made of polypeptides. (12 Dec 1998) |
| brood capsules | Small hollow projections from the lining membrane of a hydatid cyst from which the scoleces arise. (05 Mar 2000) |
| capsules | Hard or soft, soluble containers of a suitable substance, for enclosing a dose of medicine, usually for oral administration. (12 Dec 1998) |