| kissing disease | <haematology, virology> Self limiting disorder of lymphoid tissue caused by infection with Epstein Barr virus (infectious mononucleosis). Characterised by the appearance of many large lymphoblasts in the circulation. (13 Nov 1997) |
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| disease, kissing | Infectious mononucleosis ( mono ), a very common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). By the time most people reach adulthood, an antibody against EBV can be detected in their blood meaning they have been infected with EBV. The illness is less severe in young children. The infection can be spread by saliva. Hence, the name: the kissing disease. The incubation period for mono is 4 to 8 weeks. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands. Mono can cause liver inflammation (hepatitis) and spleen enlargement. Vigorous contact sports should be avoided to prevent spleen rupture. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| kissing bugs | Insect vectors (carriers) of the parasite (called trypanosoma cruzi) which causes chagas' disease (american trypanosomiasis). The reduviid bugs kiss people, especially babies, on the lips while they are asleep infecting them with their parasite. Over 20 million people in the americas have chagas disease. The parasite can also be transmitted by blood transfusion and cross the placenta during pregnancy to infect the foetus. (12 Dec 1998) |
| aaa disease | Endemic anaemia of ancient Egypt, ascribed in the Papyrus Ebers to intestinal infestation with ancylostoma; now called ancylostomiasis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ABO haemolytic disease of the newborn | Erythroblastosis foetalis due to maternal-foetal incompatibility with respect to an antigen of the ABO blood group; the foetus possesses A or B antigen which is lacking in the mother, and the mother produces immune antibody which causes haemolysis of foetal erythrocytes. (05 Mar 2000) |
| accumulation disease | A disease characterised by abnormal accumulation of a metabolic product in certain cells and tissues; examples include the mucopolysaccharidoses, lipoidoses. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Acosta's disease | A condition that results from prolonged exposure to high altitude. Symptoms include a continuous dry cough, shortness of breath, poor exercise tolerance, dizziness, headache, sleep difficulty, anorexia, confusion, fatigue and a rapid pulse. Treatment includes the immediate movement to a lower altitude. Prophylaxis has been accomplished successfully with the use of acetazolamide (Diamox). (27 Sep 1997) |
| acquired immunodeficiency disease | Acquired immunodeficiency disease: Disease caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). (12 Dec 1998) |
| acute disease | Disease having a short and relatively severe course. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Adams-Stokes disease | <syndrome> Transient asystole or ventricular fibrillation in the presence of atrioventricular block. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Addison-Biermer disease | <haematology> A form of anaemia (low red blood cell counts) that results when the bone marrow fails to produce adequate numbers of red blood cells due to a deficiency in vitamin B12. Intrinsic factor, necessary for normal B12 absorption, may be the underlying cause for B12 deficiency if is not produced in the gastric glands (in the stomach). Origin: Gr. Haima = blood (27 Sep 1997) |
| Addison's disease | <endocrinology> A rare endocrine disease that results from the underproduction of aldosterone and cortisol (hormones) by the adrenal glands. Symptoms include weakness, low blood pressure, anaemia, low blood sugar and electrolyte abnormalities. (27 Sep 1997) |
| adult-onset still's disease | Although Still's disease was first described in children, it is known to begin in adults. See: Still's disease. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Akabane disease | A disease of cattle, sheep and goats, caused by the Akabane virus and characterised by foetal or neonatal arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly, abortions, and foetal death; the causative virus is transmitted by mosquitoes in Japan and by the midge Culicoides brevitarsis in Australia. (05 Mar 2000) |
| akamushi disease | See Typhus, scrub. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Akureyri disease | An epidemic disease characterised by stiffness of the neck and back, headache, diarrhoea, fever, and localised muscular weakness; restricted almost exclusively to adults, affecting women more than men; probably viral in origin. Synonym: Akureyri disease, benign myalgic encephalomyelitis, epidemic myalgic encephalomyelitis, Iceland disease. (05 Mar 2000) |