Glossary

R

Rhinoviruses

Rhinoviruses are frequent causes of colds.

Rifampicin

Rifampicin is an antibiotic especially used to treat mycobacterial infections.

RNA interference

RNA interference is a natural mechanism by which genes in cells can be targeted for silencing.

RNA viruses

RNA viruses are viruses whose genetic material is ribonucleic acid. Ribonucleic acid is a macromolecule that plays a decisive role in the conversion of genetic information into proteins.

S

Salmonella

Salmonella are bacteria causing foodborne infections and diarrhea.

SARS-CoV-2

SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus belonging to the coronavirus family. SARS-CoV-2 can trigger the respiratory tract disease called COVID-19.

Scanning electron microscopy

A scanning electron microscope analyzes an object by scanning its surface with a focused beam of electrons.

Screening

Screening is a systematic testing method with the aim of identifying elements with certain properties.

Sepsis

Sepsis develops as a result of an infection when the immune response harms the body’s own tissues and organs. Without intensive care, sepsis is often fatal.

Seroprevalence

Seroprevalence is the frequency of specific antibodies in blood serum indicating an existing or past infectious disease. It is detected at a certain point in time in a defined group of people.