| endospore-forming bacteria | A group of rods or cocci whose taxonomic affinities are uncertain. They form endospores, thick-walled bodies formed within the vegetative cells of certain bacteria, able to withstand adverse environmental conditions for prolonged periods. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| endosymbiotic bacteria | Bacteria that establish a symbiotic relationship within a eukaryotic cell. For example the nitrogen fixing bacteria of legume root nodules. See: endosymbiont hypothesis. (18 Nov 1997) |
| enteric bacteria | A large group of Gram negative rod-shaped bacteria characterised by a facultatively aerobic metabolism. Many of them are commonly found in the intestines of animals. (09 Oct 1997) |
| faecal coliform bacteria | <gastroenterology, microbiology> Aerobic bacteria found in the colon or faeces, often used as indicators of faecal contamination of water supplies. (09 Oct 1997) |
| flesh-eating bacteria | A strain of Group A streptococcus which, in severe cases, can destroy tissue as fast as surgeons can cut it out. The rapid destruction of tissue caused by these bacteria is localised, so it is unlikely to be caused by a general overstimulation of the immune system by, for example: superantigen exotoxin A. Instead, the invasive strains of strep A probably have other toxin such as exotoxin B, an enzyme (i.e. A cysteine protease) that destroys tissue by breaking down protein. (09 Oct 1997) |
| lactic acid bacteria | <microbiology> A group of Gram-positive, non-sporing bacteria which carry out a lactic acid fermentation of sugars. It includes species of Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus and Streptococcus. See: lactic acid fermentation. (25 Jun 1999) |
| lysogenic bacteria | <microbiology> A bacterium which contains in its genome the DNA of a virus which is lying dormant, passively letting itself be replicated by the bacterium whenever the bacterium replicates its own genome (a lysogenic virus), but able to reactivate and destroy the bacterium at a time of the virus's choosing (becomes a lytic virus). (15 Oct 1997) |
| administration, oral | The giving of drugs, chemicals, or other substances by mouth. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cancer, oral | Cancer of the mouth area. A sore in the mouth that does not heal can be a warning sign of oral cancer. A biopsy is the only to know whether as abnormal area in the oral cavity is cancer. Oral cancer is caused by tobacco (smoking and chewing) and alcohol use. Surgery to remove the tumour in the mouth is the usual treatment for patients with oral cancer. (12 Dec 1998) |
| candidiasis, oral | Infection of the mucous membranes of the mouth by a fungus of the genus candida. (12 Dec 1998) |
| canine oral papilloma | Warts affecting mucous membranes of young dogs; caused by a papillomavirus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| magnesia and alumina oral suspension | A mixture of magnesium hydroxide and variable amounts of aluminum oxide; used as an antacid. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pathology, oral | A dental specialty concerned with pathology of the oral cavity. (12 Dec 1998) |
| pharyngo-oral | Relating to the pharynx and the mouth; oropharyngeal. Origin: pharyngo-+ L. Os (or-), mouth (05 Mar 2000) |
| combination oral contraceptive | A mixture of a steroid having progestational activity and an oestrogen. (05 Mar 2000) |