| bacterial adhesion | Physicochemical property of fimbriated (fimbriae, bacterial) and non-fimbriated bacteria of attaching to cells, tissue, and nonbiological surfaces. It is a factor in bacterial colonization and pathogenicity. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| bacterial allergy | The concept that the atopic kind of type I allergic reactions may be caused by bacterial allergens, the delayed type of skin test, so-called because of its early association with bacterial antigens (e.g., the tuberculin test). (05 Mar 2000) |
| bacterial antagonism | The inhibition of one bacterium by products of another. (05 Mar 2000) |
| bacterial capsule | A layer of slime of variable composition which covers the surface of some bacteria; capsulated cells of pathogenic bacteria are usually more virulent than cells without capsules because the former are more resistant to phagocytic action. (05 Mar 2000) |
| 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) |
| bacterial cast | A cast in the urine composed of bacteria. (05 Mar 2000) |
| bacterial chemotaxis | <microbiology> The response of bacteria to gradients of attractants or repellents. In a gradient of attractant the probability of deviating from a smooth forward path is reduced if the bacterium is moving up gradient. Since the opposite is true if moving down gradient, the effect is to bias displacement towards the source of attractant. Strictly should perhaps be considered a klinokinesis with adaptation. (18 Nov 1997) |
| bacterial conjugation | <molecular biology> The process of transferring a certain plasmid of DNA known as the f plasmid (or sex plasmid) from bacteria individuals who have it (known as males) to bacteria individuals who do not already have it (known as females) by way of direct contact between the bacteria individuals called a conjugation bridge. Once transfer is completed, the female individual becomes a male individual and both parties have a copy of the F plasmid. (09 Oct 1997) |
| bacterial conjunctivitis | <pathology> A bacterial infection of a portion of the eye known as the conjunctiva. Common symptoms include redness of the eyes with a thick, often coloured purulent discharge. (27 Sep 1997) |
| bacterial cystitis | Bladder inflammation caused by bacteria. (05 Mar 2000) |
| bacterial encephalitis | Encephalitis of bacterial aetiology. Synonym: encephalitis pyogenica, purulent encephalitis, suppurative encephalitis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| bacterial endarteritis | Implantation and growth of bacteria with formation of vegetations on the arterial wall, such as may occur in a patent ductus arteriosus or arteriovenous fistula. (05 Mar 2000) |
| bacterial endocarditis | Endocarditis caused by the direct invasion of bacteria and leading to deformity and destruction of the valve leaflets. Two types are acute bacterial endocarditis and subacute bacterial endocarditis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| bacterial endospore | <microbiology> A dormant body which certain Gram-positive bacteria can develop within them under conditions of stress (like lack of nutrients), which is highly resistant to harsh environmental conditions and which can develop into a new, live bacterium once conditions are good again. (09 Oct 1997) |
| bacterial flagella | <microbiology> Thin filaments composed of flagellin sub units that are rotated by the basal motor assembly and act as propellors. If rotating anticlockwise (as viewed from the flagellar tip) the bacterium moves in a straight path, if clockwise the bacterium tumbles. (18 Nov 1997) |