Tuberculoidin is a term used to refer to a substance used to diagnose tuberculosis. The word can be divided into three sections: "tuberculoid" "in". The "tuberculoid" part denotes the similarity of the substance to elements found in tuberculosis, while the "in" denotes that it is derived from something. The pronunciation of the word is as follows: /tuː.bɜː.kjuː.lɔɪ.dɪn/. The first syllable is pronounced similar to "too", followed by a "ber" sound, a short "k" sound, and then a "joo" sound. The last syllable is pronounced like "in."
Tuberculoidin, also known as tuberculin, is a substance derived from the tubercle bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. It is primarily used as a diagnostic tool to test for exposure to the bacteria and to detect tuberculosis infection in a patient.
The tuberculoidin test involves injecting a small amount of tuberculoidin into the skin of the forearm. The injection creates a localized reaction at the site of injection. If the patient has been previously exposed to tuberculosis or is carrying the infection, the injected area will show a specific reaction typically within 48-72 hours. This reaction appears as a raised, red bump, commonly known as a tuberculin skin test or purified protein derivative (PPD) test.
The size of the reaction is measured and compared to standard guidelines to determine the presence of tuberculosis infection. A positive result indicates exposure to the bacteria but does not necessarily indicate active disease. Further medical evaluation is required for a definitive diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Tuberculoidin is an important tool in detecting tuberculosis infection, particularly in individuals who have been in close contact with infected individuals or who have other risk factors for the disease. It helps healthcare professionals identify individuals who require further evaluation and treatment to prevent the spread of tuberculosis in the community.
Old tuberculin treated with alcohol to clear it of glycerin; see Calmette's tuberculin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "tuberculoidin" does not have a commonly known etymology. However, it can be broken down into two parts: "tuberculoid" and the suffix "-in".
1. Tuberculoid: This term relates to tuberculosis, a disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. "Tuberculoid" is typically used to describe a specific form of tuberculosis called tuberculoid leprosy, which predominantly affects the skin and peripheral nerves.
2. -in: The suffix "-in" is often used in chemistry and biology to denote a substance or derivative. It is derived from Latin and is used frequently in scientific terminology.
Considering this breakdown, "tuberculoidin" could be interpreted as a substance or derivative associated with tuberculoid tuberculosis or tuberculoid leprosy.