glossary b

• B Cells (B Lymphocytes)


  The leukocytes that produce antibodies
• Bacillus


  Rod-shaped bacterium
• Bacteremia


  The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream
• Bacteria


  Microorganisms in the Domain Bacteria
• Bacterial Vaginosis


  A vaginal infection caused by a variety of bacteria; an example of a synergistic infection
• Bactericidal Agent


  A chemical agent or drug that kills bacteria; a bactericide
• Bacteriocins


  Proteins produced by certain bacteria that can kill other bacteria
• Bacteriologist


  One who specializes in the science of bacteriology
• Bacteriology


  The study of bacteria
• Bacteriophage


  A virus that infects a bacterium; also known simply as a phage
• Bacteriostatic Agent


  A chemical agent or drug that inhibits the growth of bacteria
• Bacteriuria


  The presence of bacteria in the urine
• Barometric Pressure


  The pressure of the atmosphere as indicated by an instrument called a barometer
• Bartholinitis


  Inflammation of the Bartholin gland in women
• Basophil


  A type of granulocyte found in blood; its granules contain acidic substances that attract basic dyes
• Beneficial Mutation


  A mutation that is of benefit to the mutant organism
• Binary Fission


  A method of reproduction whereby one cell divides to become two cells; the method by which bacteria reproduce
• Biochemistry


  The chemistry of living organisms; the chemistry of life
• Biocidal Agent

  A chemical agent that destroys living organisms, especially microorganisms
• Biofilms


  Complex and persistent communities of assorted microorganisms
• Biogenesis


  The theory that life originates only from preexisting life and never from nonliving matter
• Biologic Catalysts


  Enzymes; biologic molecules that catalyze chemical reactions
• Biologic Vector


  An arthropod vector within which a pathogen multiplies or matures
• Biologic Warfare Agents


  Pathogens used as weapons in warfare
• Biology


  The study of living organisms; the study of life
• Biomass


  The total mass or number of living organisms in a particular area or volume
• Bioremediation


  The use of microorganisms to clean up industrial and toxic wastes
• Biotechnology


  The use of living organisms or their derivatives to make or modify products or processes
• Bioterrorist Agents


  Pathogens used by terrorists
• Biotherapeutic Agents


  Microorganisms used for therapeutic purposes to treat various diseases or conditions
• Biotype


  The pattern of positive and negative biochemical test results obtained when a particular microorganism is tested
• Black Piedra


  A hair infection caused by the mould Piedraia bortae
• Blocking Antibodies


  ImmunoglobulinG (igG) antibodies produced by the body in response to allergy shots; they combine with allergens, thus preventing the allergens from attaching to IgE antibodies on the surface of basophils and mast cells
• Botulinal Toxin


  The neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum; causes botulism; known by various other names such as botulin and botulinum toxin
• Botulism


  A neurologic disease caused by a neurotoxin (botulinal toxin) produced by Clostridium botulium, a spore-forming, anaer-obic, Gram-positive bacillus
• Brightfield Microscope


  Another name for a compound light microscope; refers to the fact that objects are observed against a bright background
• Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics


  Antibiotics that are effective againsta wide range of bacteria; they are effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
• Bronchitis


  Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the bronchial tubes
• Bronchopneumonia


  Combination of bronchitis and pneumonia