The spelling of the word "dermotuberculin reaction" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The pronunciation of the word is /dərmoʊˌtjuːbərkjʊlɪn rɪˈækʃən/. The word is comprised of four syllables with stress on the third syllable. It refers to a skin test used to determine if a person has been exposed to tuberculosis. The correct spelling of this term could be challenging due to the number of syllables and the unique phonetic combinations. It is essential to pay attention to the spelling to avoid confusion when communicating with medical professionals.
Dermotuberculin reaction refers to a type of skin test used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB). It is an immunological response that occurs when a small amount of tuberculin, an extract derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is injected into a person's skin. The purpose of this test is to determine whether an individual has been exposed to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.
The dermotuberculin reaction is based on the principle that when tuberculin is injected into the skin, it triggers a delayed-type hypersensitivity response in individuals who have been previously infected with M. tuberculosis. This immune response results in the formation of a small, raised, red bump known as an induration at the injection site. The size of the induration is measured after a specific waiting period, typically 48-72 hours, to determine the result of the test.
A positive dermotuberculin reaction signifies that an individual has been exposed to the tuberculosis bacteria at some point and has mounted an immune response. However, it does not necessarily indicate current active disease since TB infection can be latent and asymptomatic. Further diagnostic tests, such as chest X-rays and sputum examination, are often required to confirm the presence of active tuberculosis.
On the other hand, a negative dermotuberculin reaction suggests that a person has not been exposed to M. tuberculosis or has not developed an immune response. This could be due to several factors, including recent infection, certain medications, or immunosuppressive conditions.
Overall, dermotuberculin reaction is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of tuberculosis and plays a crucial role in public health efforts to identify and treat individuals with TB infection.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "dermotuberculin reaction" can be broken down as follows:
1. Derm(o)-: Derived from the Greek word "derma" meaning "skin".
2. Tuberculin: Derived from "tubercle", which refers to a small, localized swelling or nodule. It is also associated with tuberculosis, a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. "Tuberculin" specifically refers to a protein extract derived from cultures of the bacteria used in diagnostic tests.
3. Reaction: Derived from the Latin word "reactio" meaning "a response or to act back".
Therefore, the term "dermotuberculin reaction" combines these components to refer to a skin response or reaction following the administration of a tuberculin protein extract. This reaction is typically used in the diagnosis of tuberculosis.