| leishmaniasis tegumentaria diffusa | Leishmaniasis caused by several New and Old World species and strains of Leishmania (L. Mexicana amazonensis, L. M. Pifanoi, possibly L. M. Garnhami and L. M. Venezuelensis; in Ethiopia, L. Aethiopica, and unidentified leishmanial agents in Namibia and Tanzania). The condition is associated with a suppressed cell-mediated immune response, so that the non-ulcerating, non-necrotizing cutaneous lesions can spread widely over the body; great numbers of parasite-filled macrophages are found in the dermal lesions. Healing does not appear to occur unless an acquired cellular hypersensitivity can develop. Synonym: anergic leishmaniasis, diffuse leishmaniasis, disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis, leishmaniasis tegumentaria diffusa, pseudolepromatous leishmaniasis. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| leishmaniasis, visceral | A chronic disease caused by leishmania donovani and transmitted by the bite of several sandflies of the genera phlebotomus and lutzomyia. It is commonly characterised by fever, chills, vomiting, anaemia, hepatosplenomegaly, leukopenia, hypergammaglobulinaemia, emaciation, and an earth-gray colour of the skin. The disease is classified into three main types according to geographic distribution: indian, mediterranean (or infantile), and african. (12 Dec 1998) |
| lupoid leishmaniasis | A partially healing leishmanial lesion caused by Leishmania tropica and characterised by an extreme form of cellular immune response, intense granuloma production, fibrinoid necrosis without caseation, and frequent development of satellite lesions that continue the production of granulomatous tissue without healing, sometimes over a period of many years; organisms are difficult to demonstrate but can be cultured. Synonym: lupoid leishmaniasis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| active immunization | The production of active immunity. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anthrax immunization | A series of six shots over six months and booster shots annually, the anthrax vaccine now in use in the USA was first developed in the 1950s and approved by the Food and Drug Administration for general use in 1970. It is produced by the Michigan Biologic Products Institute of Michigan's Department of Health and is given routinely to veterinarians and others working with livestock. In December, 1997 it was announced that all US military would receive the vaccine, as do the military in the UK and Russia, the reason being concern that anthrax might be used in biologic warfare. (12 Dec 1998) |
| german measles immunization | The standard MMR vaccine is given to prevent measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). The MMR vaccine is now given in two dosages. The first should be given at12-15 months of age. The second vaccination should be given at 4-6 years (or, alternatively, 11-12 years) of age. most colleges require proof of a second measles or MMR vaccination prior to entrance. Most children should receive MMR vaccinations. Exceptions may include children born with an inability to fight off infection, some children with cancer, on treatment with radiation or drugs for cancer, on long term steroids (cortisone). People with severe allergic reactions to eggs or the drug neomycin should probably avoid the MMR vaccine. Pregnant women should wait until after delivery before being immunised with MMR. People with HIV or AIDS should normally receive MMR vaccine. Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines may be administered as individual shots, if necessary, or as a measles-rubella combination. (12 Dec 1998) |
| passive immunization | The production of passive immunity. (05 Mar 2000) |
| measles immunization | The standard MMR vaccine is given to prevent measles, mumps and rubella (german measles). The mmr vaccine is now given in two dosages. The first should be given at12-15 months of age. The second vaccination should be given at 4-6 years (or, alternatively, 11-12 years) of age. most colleges require proof of a second measles or mmr vaccination prior to entrance. Most children should receive mmr vaccinations. Exceptions may include children born with an inability to fight off infection, some children with cancer, on treatment with radiation or drugs for cancer, on long term steroids (cortisone). People with severe allergic reactions to eggs or the drug neomycin should probably avoid the mmr vaccine. Pregnant women should wait until after delivery before being immunised with mmr. People with HIV or aids should normally receive mmr vaccine. Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines may be administered as individual shots, if necessary, or as a measles-rubella combination. (12 Dec 1998) |
| chickenpox immunization | This vaccine prevents the common disease known as chickenpox (varicella zoster). While chickenpox is often considered a trivial illness, it can cause significant lost time on the job and in school and have serious complications including ear infections, pneumonia, and infection of the rash with bacteria, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) leading to difficulty with balance and coordination (cerebellar ataxia), damaged nerves (palsies), and Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal complication. The vaccination requires only one shot given at about a year of age. If an older person has not had chickenpox, the shot may be given at any time. There have been few significant reactions to the chickenpox vaccine. All children, except those with a compromised immune system, should have the vaccination. (12 Dec 1998) |
| rubella immunization | The standard MMR vaccine is given to prevent measles, mumps and rubella (german measles). The mmr vaccine is now given in two dosages. The first should be given at12-15 months of age. The second vaccination should be given at 4-6 years (or, alternatively, 11-12 years) of age. most colleges require proof of a second measles or mmr vaccination prior to entrance. Most children should receive mmr vaccinations. Exceptions may include children born with an inability to fight off infection, some children with cancer, on treatment with radiation or drugs for cancer, on long term steroids (cortisone). People with severe allergic reactions to eggs or the drug neomycin should probably avoid the mmr vaccine. Pregnant women should wait until after delivery before being immunised with mmr. People with HIV or aids should normally receive mmr vaccine. Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines may be administered as individual shots, if necessary, or as a measles-rubella combination. (12 Dec 1998) |
| mumps immunization | The standard MMR vaccine is given to prevent measles, mumps and rubella (german measles). The mmr vaccine is now given in two dosages. The first should be given at12-15 months of age. The second vaccination should be given at 4-6 years (or, alternatively, 11-12 years) of age. most colleges require proof of a second measles or mmr vaccination prior to entrance. Most children should receive mmr vaccinations. Exceptions may include children born with an inability to fight off infection, some children with cancer, on treatment with radiation or drugs for cancer, on long term steroids (cortisone). People with severe allergic reactions to eggs or the drug neomycin should probably avoid the mmr vaccine. Pregnant women should wait until after delivery before being immunised with mmr. People with HIV or aids should normally receive mmr vaccine. Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines may be administered as individual shots, if necessary, or as a measles-rubella combination. (12 Dec 1998) |
| pneumococcal pneumonia immunization | This vaccine, which prevents one of the most common and severe forms of pneumonia, is usually given only once in a lifetime, usually after the age of 55, to someone with ongoing lung problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma) or other chronic diseases (including those involving the heart and kidneys). This vaccination would rarely be given to children. (12 Dec 1998) |
| polio immunization | <virology> The vaccines available for vaccination against polio are opv (oral polio vaccine) and ipv (inactivated polio vaccine). Opv is still the preferred vaccine for most children. As its name suggests, it is given by mouth. Ipv, or inactivated polio vaccine is given as a shot in the arm or leg. Infants and children should be given four doses of opv. The doses are given at 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months and 4-6 years of age. Persons allergic to eggs or the drugs neomycin or streptomycin should receive opv, not the injectable ipv. Conversely, ipv should be given if the vaccine recipient is on long-term steroid (cortisone) therapy, has cancer, or is on chemotherapy or if a household member has aids or there is an unimmunised adult in the house. (21 Jun 1999) |
| haemophilus influenzae type b immunization | See HIB immunization, (12 Dec 1998) |
| hepatitis a immunization | When immediate protection against hepatitis a (infectious hepatitis) is needed, immunoglobulins are used. Protection is effective only if given within 2 weeks of exposure and lasts but 2-4 months. Immunoglobulins can be used to protect household contacts of someone with acute viral hepatitis and travelers to regions with poor sanitation and high hepatitis a rates, when the traveler has to depart sooner than the vaccines can take effect (about 2 weeks). Travelers can receive the immunoglobulin and vaccine simultaneously and be protected immediately and for longer term. When immediate protection is not needed, hepatitis a vaccines are considered for individuals in high-risk settings, including frequent world travelers, sexually active individuals with multiple partners, homosexual men, individuals using illicit drugs, employees of daycare centres, and certain healthcare workers, and sewage workers. Two hepatitis a vaccines called havrix and vaqta are commercially available in the u.s. Both are highly effective and provide protection even after only one dose. Two doses are recommended for adults and 3 doses for children (under 18 years of age) to provide prolonged protection. (12 Dec 1998) |