Glossary

D

Directly acting antivirals

Directly acting antivirals (DAA) are novel drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C, which directly target the hepatitis C virus.

DNA sequencing

DNA sequencing is the determination of the order of building blocks within a DNA molecule.

Droplet infection

A droplet infection is caused by bacteria or viruses that are released into the air when sneezing, coughing or speaking and hit the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes of a person in the vicinity.

Dysbiosis

Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the microbial ecosystem in which harmful microorganisms predominate and adversely affect the host's health.

E

Ebola

Ebola is a severe, often fatal disease in humans with high fever and bleedings. It is caused by the Ebola virus.

Elephantiasis

Elephantiasis is a disease that is characterized by grossly swellings of body parts due to impaired lymph drainage.

Elite controler

"Elite controllers" are very rare people with HIV infection who can control viral load spontaneously without antiretroviral drugs.

endemic

“Endemic” means for example in epidemiology that a disease is constantly at an elevated level in a particular region or population.

Endotoxin

Endotoxins are part of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria and trigger immune reactions in human.

Enterobacteriaceae

Enterobacteriaceae are a family of bacteria that includes many gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria.