How Do You Spell OPSONIC INDEX?

Pronunciation: [ɒpsˈɒnɪk ˈɪndɛks] (IPA)

The term "opsonic index" is used to describe the ability of antibodies in the blood to facilitate the destruction of bacteria by white blood cells. The correct spelling of this term is [ɑpˈsɑnɪk ˈɪndɛks], with the letter combination "ps" representing the voiceless bilabial fricative sound /p/. The word part "opsonic" comes from the Greek word "opsōnein," meaning "to prepare food," and the word part "index" means "a numerical measure of a specific characteristic." The opsonic index is an important tool in diagnosing bacterial infections and monitoring their treatment.

OPSONIC INDEX Meaning and Definition

1. The opsonic index, in the field of immunology, refers to a quantitative measurement used to assess the effectiveness of the opsonins present in a serum sample in aiding the immune system to eliminate pathogens. Opsonins are molecules, mainly antibodies, that bind to the surface of foreign pathogens and enhance their recognition and uptake by phagocytic cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils.

   The opsonic index is determined by measuring the ability of serum containing opsonins to promote phagocytosis of a standardized test organism, usually bacteria, by immune cells in vitro. This assay involves incubating the target pathogen with immune cells and varying concentrations of the test serum, followed by assessing the percentage of ingested bacteria by the phagocytes. The opsonic index is calculated as the ratio of the number of bacteria phagocytosed in the presence of the serum sample divided by the number phagocytosed in its absence, multiplied by 100.

   A high opsonic index indicates greater opsonic activity and efficient phagocytosis of the test organism, suggesting a robust immune response against the specific pathogen. Conversely, a low opsonic index suggests reduced opsonization capacity and impaired phagocytosis, which can signify a compromised immune system or susceptibility to recurring infections.

   The opsonic index holds great importance in evaluating immune function and guiding the diagnosis and management of certain diseases characterized by impaired opsonization, such as chronic infections, autoimmune disorders, and some immunodeficiencies.

2. • See opsonic.

   • A figure denoting the ratio of a normal to a pathological phagocytic index, the normal phagocytic index being taken as unity, the formula being-phagocytic index of normal serum: phagocytic index of serum being tested::I; x, x being the opsonic index.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for OPSONIC INDEX

• opsonicinndex
• opsownicindex
• opsunicindex
• ops onic index
• opso nic index
• opson ic index
• opsoni c index
• opsonic i ndex
• opsonic in dex
• opsonic ind ex
• opsonic inde x

Etymology of OPSONIC INDEX

The word "opsonic" is derived from the Greek word "opsis", meaning "food" or "means of sustenance". In Ancient Greece, it referred specifically to the act of preparing or seasoning food to make it more palatable or appealing. The term "opsonic" was adopted into scientific terminology in the late 19th century to describe specialized proteins or molecules that assist in the recognition and uptake of foreign particles by immune cells, similar to how seasoning enhances the appeal of food.

The term "index" in "opsonic index" refers to a numerical value or measurement used to quantify or evaluate a specific characteristic. Therefore, when combined, "opsonic index" refers to a numerical measure used in immunology to assess the extent to which opsonins (opsonic molecules) enhance the process of phagocytosis (the engulfing and elimination of foreign particles) by immune cells.