ANTITUBERCULIN Meaning and
Definition
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Antituberculin is a term used in medicine to describe a substance or preparation that counteracts the effects of tuberculosis or is used in the diagnosis or treatment of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other organs. Antituberculin agents are crucial in combating the progression of the disease and preventing its spread.
In the context of diagnostic testing, antituberculin refers to a solution derived from purified tuberculin proteins or tuberculin extracts obtained from cultures of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This solution is administered into the skin, usually through an injected or applied patch, to assess a person's immune response. The area of the skin where the antituberculin is introduced is then observed over a period of time, and any indication of localized swelling or redness, known as a positive reaction, may indicate exposure to the tuberculosis bacteria.
Moreover, in the treatment of tuberculosis, antituberculin agents, commonly known as antituberculosis drugs, are used to contain the infection, eliminate the bacteria, and prevent further transmission. These drugs usually consist of a combination of antibiotics, such as isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, that target different aspects of the tuberculosis bacteria's life cycle. The administration of antituberculin medications typically involves a prolonged course of treatment, often spanning several months, to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria and prevent resistance development.
In summary, antituberculin refers to substances or preparations that aid in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of tuberculosis, a severe bacterial infection predominantly affecting the respiratory system.
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An antibody formed in the body fluids in response to injections of tuberculin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ANTITUBERCULIN
- antituberculhn
- antituberculif
- antituberculil
- antituberculio
- auntituberculin
- a ntituberculin
- an tituberculin
- ant ituberculin
- anti tuberculin
- antit uberculin
- antitu berculin
- antitub erculin
- antitube rculin
- antituber culin
- antituberc ulin
- antitubercu lin
- antitubercul in
- antituberculi n
Etymology of ANTITUBERCULIN
The word "antituberculin" is derived from a combination of three components: "anti-", "tuberculin", and the suffix "-in".
1. "Anti-" is a Greek prefix meaning "against" or "opposite". It is often used to indicate opposition or an opposing action.
2. "Tuberculin" comes from the word "tubercle", which refers to a small, rounded, abnormal growth or swelling. It is specifically associated with tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs.
3. The suffix "-in" is a common suffix used to form nouns, often indicating a substance or protein.
Combining these components, "antituberculin" refers to a substance or agent that acts against or opposes tuberculin, which in this case is likely being used to combat tuberculosis or its symptoms.
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