ANTIHEMOLYSIN Meaning and
Definition
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An antihemolysin refers to a substance, usually an antibody, capable of inhibiting or neutralizing the hemolytic activity or capacity of certain agents, particularly bacterial toxins. The term is derived from the combination of the prefix "anti-" meaning against, and "hemolysin," which is a substance or toxin capable of causing the destruction or lysis of red blood cells (hemolysis). Antihemolysins are an essential component of the immune system as they serve to protect the body against the harmful effects of hemolysis caused by specific pathogens.
Often produced in response to an infection or exposure to a hemolytic agent, antihemolysins function by binding to and neutralizing the hemolysin or by preventing its interaction with red blood cells. Through this mechanism, antihemolysins inhibit the destructive effect of hemolysins, thus reducing the extent of red blood cell lysis. This immune response is vital in preventing extensive damage to red blood cells, which could lead to severe consequences such as anemia, organ failure, or life-threatening conditions.
Antihemolysin can also refer to a serum or a biological substance containing specific antibodies against a particular hemolysin. These substances can be utilized in laboratory settings for diagnostic purposes or for developing treatments or vaccines against hemolytic agents. Overall, antihemolysins play a critical role in protecting the body from the harmful effects of hemolysis, ensuring the maintenance of proper red blood cell function and, consequently, overall health.
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A substance which neutralizes the action of an hemolysin; an antibody to hemolysin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ANTIHEMOLYSIN
- zntihemolysin
- sntihemolysin
- wntihemolysin
- qntihemolysin
- abtihemolysin
- amtihemolysin
- ajtihemolysin
- ahtihemolysin
- anrihemolysin
- anfihemolysin
- angihemolysin
- anyihemolysin
- an6ihemolysin
- an5ihemolysin
- antuhemolysin
- antjhemolysin
- antkhemolysin
- antohemolysin
- ant9hemolysin
- ant8hemolysin
Etymology of ANTIHEMOLYSIN
The word "antihemolysin" is derived from the combination of two root words: "anti-" and "hemolysin".
- "Anti-" is a Greek prefix meaning "against" or "opposite of".
- "Hemolysin" is derived from the Greek words "hemo-" meaning "blood" and "lysis" meaning "destruction" or "dissolution".
Therefore, when combined, "antihemolysin" literally means "against the destruction of blood", referring to a substance that inhibits or prevents the destruction of red blood cells.
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