| human herpesvirus 3 | A herpesvirus, morphologically identical to herpes simplex virus, that causes varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster in man; varicella results from a primary infection with the virus; herpes zoster results from secondary invasion by the same virus or by reactivation of infection which in many instances has been latent for many years. Synonym: chickenpox virus, herpes zoster virus, human herpesvirus 3. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| human herpesvirus 4 | <virology> Species of Herpetoviridae that is responsible for infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever). Discovered in 1964, this virus has been associated with Burkitt's lymphoma in South African children and with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Asian populations. (27 Sep 1997) |
| human herpesvirus 5 | <virology> Probably the most widespread of the Herpetoviridae group. Infected cells enlarge and have a characteristic inclusion body (composed of virus particles) in the nucleus. Causes disease only in utero (leading to abortion or stillbirth or to various congenital defects), although can be opportunistic in the immunocompromised host. Patients who have been exposed to the virus will remain cytomegalovirus IgG positive. Acronym: CMV (30 Sep 1997) |
| human herpesvirus 6 | A recently discovered human herpesvirus that was found in certain lymphoproliferative disorders, replicates in a number of different types of leukocytes, and is associated with the childhood disease roseola (exanthema subitum). (05 Mar 2000) |
| human herpesvirus 7 | This virus has recently been discovered in association with human lymphocytes; however, a causal relationship to any known disease has not been determined. (05 Mar 2000) |
| human immunodeficiency virus | <virology> A type of retrovirus (human immunodeficiency virus) that is responsible for the fatal illness acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Two strains have been identified. Type 1: the retrovirus recognised as the agent that induces AIDS. Type 2: a virus closely related to HIV-1 that also leads to immune suppression. HIV-2 is not as virulent as HIV-1 and is epidemic only in West Africa. Acronym: HIV (11 Nov 1997) |
| human leukaemia-associated antigens | Antigen's on the surface of leukaemic cells which seem not to be present on the surfaces of the same type of normal cells; the myeloblast antigen of acute myelogenous leukaemia found in chronic myelogenous leukaemia is thought to be associated with a "blastic" transformation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| human leukocyte antigen | <immunology> A genetic fingerprint on white blood cells and platelets, composed of proteins that play a critical role in activating the bodys immune system to respond to foreign organisms. Acronym: HLA (16 Dec 1997) |
| human leukocyte-associated antigens | Proteins on the outer part of body cells that help fight illness. These proteins vary from person to person. Scientists think that people with certain types of HLA antigens are more likely to develop insulin-dependent diabetes.The HLA antigens are also responsible for histocompatibility reactions. (09 Oct 1997) |
| human lymphocyte antigen | A system designation for the gene products of at least four linked loci (A, B, C, and D) and a member of subloci on the sixth human chromosome which have been shown to have a strong influence on human allotransplantation, transfusions in refractory patients, and certain disease associations; more than 50 alleles are recognised, most of which are at loci HLA-A and HLA-B; autosomal dominant inheritance. (05 Mar 2000) |
| human measles immune serum | Obtained from the blood of a healthy person who has survived an attack of measles. Synonym: measles convalescent serum. (05 Mar 2000) |
| human menopausal gonadotropin | A hormone of pituitary originally obtained from the urine of postmenopausal women now produced synthetically; used to induce ovulation. See: menotropins. (05 Mar 2000) |
| human normal immunoglobulin | A preparation of the proteins of liquid human plasma, containing the antibodies of normal adults; it is obtained from pooled liquid human plasma from a number of donors and may be prepared by precipitation with organic solvents under controlled conditions of pH, ionic strength, and temperature. Synonym: human normal immunoglobulin. (05 Mar 2000) |
| human papilloma virus | <virology> A disease caused by the human papilloma virus characterised by a soft wart-like growth on the genitalia (for example penis, vulva). In adults this infection is most commonly transmitted sexually. Genital warts are very common and are increasing in incidence. Safe sex practices, such as using condoms can help decrease the risk of infection. Treatment includes several topical agents to eradicate the lesions, cryosurgery, laser therapy, electrocauterisation or surgical removal. See: alternate name condyloma acuminata. Acronym: HPV (27 Sep 1997) |
| human pertussis immune serum | The sterile serum prepared from the pooled blood of healthy adult human beings who have received repeated courses of phase I pertussis vaccine; administered intravenously or intramuscularly for the prophylaxis or treatment of whooping cough. (05 Mar 2000) |