TuberculinTuberculin, known in its modern form as purified protein derivative (PPD), is a combination of proteins that are used in the diagnosis of tuberculosis by injection into the skin. Common side effects include redness, itchiness (pruritus), and pain at the site of injection. Allergic reactions may occasionally occur. Use is safe in pregnancy. The original tuberculin, a glycerin extract of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, was discovered in 1890 by Robert Koch.
Heaf testThe Heaf test, a diagnostic skin test, was long performed to determine whether or not children had been exposed to tuberculosis infection. The test was named after F. R. G. Heaf. Also known as the Sterneedle test, it was administered by a Heaf gun (trademarked "Sterneedle"), a spring-loaded instrument with six needles arranged in a circular formation which was inserted in the wrist or shoulder.
CorticosteroidClass of steroid hormonesCorticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates, and also their synthetic analogues. The two main classes of corticosteroids – glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids – are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including stress response, immune response, and regulation of inflammation, carbohydratemetabolism, proteincatabolism, blood electrolyte levels, and behavior.
TuberculosisTuberculosis ( , also ; TB), also known colloquially as the "white death", or historically as consumption, is a contagious disease usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) bacteria. Tuberculosis initially infects the lungs, but it can also spread to other parts of the body. Most infections show no symptoms, in which case tuberculosis is considered to be inactive or latent.
DiabetesGroup of endocrine diseases characterized by high blood sugar levelsMedical conditionDiabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a group of common endocrine diseases characterized by sustained high blood sugar levels. Diabetes tends to progress in severity, and is due to either a reduced production of the hormone insulin by the pancreas or unresponsiveness of bodily cells to insulin's effects.
HIVHuman immunodeficiency viruses (HIVs) are two species of Lentivirus (a subgroup of retrovirus) that infect humans. Over time, they cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive. Without treatment, the average survival time after infection with HIV is estimated to be 9 to 11 years, depending on the HIV subtype.
T cellT cells (also known as T lymphocytes) are an important part of the immune system and play a central role in the adaptive immune response. T cells can be distinguished from other lymphocytes by the presence of a T-cell receptor (TCR) on their cell surface. T cells are born from hematopoietic stem cells, found in the bone marrow. Developing T cells then migrate to the thymus gland to develop (or mature). T cells derive their name from the thymus.
Screening (medicine)In medicine, screening is a strategy used to test for as-yet-unrecognised conditions or risk markers in individuals or populations without symptoms or signs of the disease being screened. Screening interventions are designed to identify conditions which could at some future point turn into disease, thus enabling earlier intervention and management in the hope to reduce mortality and suffering from a disease.
Tine testThe tine test is a multiple-puncture tuberculin skin test used to aid in the medical diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). The tine test is similar to the Heaf test, although the Mantoux test is typically used instead. There are various forms of the tine tests which usually fall into two categories: the old tine test (OT) and the purified protein derivative (PPD) tine test. Common brand names of the test include Aplisol, Aplitest, Tuberculin PPD TINE TEST, and Tubersol.
ImmunosuppressionImmunosuppression is a reduction of the activation or efficacy of the immune system. Some portions of the immune system itself have immunosuppressive effects on other parts of the immune system, and immunosuppression may occur as an adverse reaction to treatment of other conditions. In general, deliberately induced immunosuppression is performed to prevent the body from rejecting an organ transplant.
Chest radiographA chest radiograph, chest X-ray (CXR), or chest film is a projection radiograph of the chest used to diagnose conditions affecting the chest, its contents, and nearby structures. Chest radiographs are the most common film taken in medicine. Like all methods of radiography, chest radiography employs ionizing radiation in the form of X-rays to generate images of the chest.
Transplantation (medicine)Transplantation is a medical procedure in which an organ, tissue, or cells are removed from one organism and placed in a recipient organism, often to replace a damaged or missing function. The donor and recipient may be at the same location, or organs may be transported from a donor site to another location. Organs and tissues that are transplanted within the same person's body are called autografts.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.