GLOSSARY                                

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antigen a substance capable of stimulating an immune response

Escherichia coli (E. coli) a species of bacteria commonly occurring as part of the normal intestinal flora in humans.

E. coli O157:H7 an E. coli bacterium which releases a toxin frequently associated with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).

efficacy the power to produce an effect

encephalopathy a disease of the brain

gastrointestinal system the digestive system including the stomach, intestine, and all accessory organs.

Hamburger Disease a severe gastroenteric condition resulting from infection with E. coli O157:H7 associated with the ingestion of undercooked hamburger meat, cheese, and unpasteurized dairy products or fruit juices. Symptoms of the disease are severe vomiting and diarrhea and it can lead to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. To learn which simple actions can prevent the disease, click here.

hematologic of or relating to blood or to the science that deals with blood and blood-forming organs

hemolytic anemia anemia caused by excessive destruction of red blood cells

hemorrhage a copious discharge of blood from the blood vessels

immunoassay the identification of a substance based on its capacity to act as an antigen

in vivo testing of a biological reaction in a living cell or organism

pharmacological studies (or Phase I Clinical Trials) these studies assess the potential side effects on a healthy individual receiving the therapeutic compound

placebo an inert or innocuous substance used in controlled experiments testing the efficacy of another substance

prolapse the falling down or slipping of a body part from its usual position

prophylactic guarding from or preventing disease

renal relating to, involving, or located in the region of the kidneys

serotype a group of intimately related microorganisms distinguished by a common set of antigens

therapeutic of or relating to the treatment of disease or disorders by remedial agents or methods

therapeutic studies (or Phase II and Phase III Clinical Trials) these studies determine the manner with which the drug is administered to produce a prophylactic action or significant beneficial effect against the disease. The studies use actual patients who have the condition the drug is designed to remedy

thrombocytopenia persistent decrease in the number of blood platelets that is often associated with hemorrhagic conditions

toxic of, relating to, or caused by a poison or toxin

toxicology a non-therapeutic effect of a compound on laboratory animals or humans

toxin a poisonous substance (a protein or glycoprotein) that is secreted by a bacteria and is toxic when introduced into the tissues and is capable of inducing antibody formation