Cholera
An infectious disease characterized by intense vomiting and profuse watery diarrhea and that rapidly leads to dehydration and often death. Cholera is caused by infection with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, which may be transmitted via infected fecal matter, food, or water. With modern sanitation, cholera is no longer as common as it once was, but epidemics still occur whenever people must live in crowded and unsanitary conditions, such as in refugee camps. The disease is treated with intravenous fluids and with antibiotics. Cholera has also been known as Asian cholera, due to its one-time prevalence in that area of the world.
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Cholera genome: The genome of the bacterium called Vibrio cholerae that causes cholera. This genome contains over 4 million bases in its DNA including the sequences for nearly 4,000 genes. The V. cholerae genome is remarkable in that it is arranged in two circular chromosomes. The larger of the two chromosomes has the usual housekeeping […]
- Cholescintigraphy
A diagnostic test in which a two-dimensional picture of a radiation source in the biliary system is obtained through the use of radioisotopes. The test is used to examine the biliary system and diagnose obstruction of the bile ducts (for example, by a gallstone or a tumor), disease of the gallbladder, and bile leaks.
- Cholestasis with peripheral pulmonary stenosis
Cholestasis with peripheral pulmonary stenosis: Also known as arteriohepatic dysplasia or Alagille syndrome, this ia a genetic disorder characterized by yellowing of the skin (jaundice) in the newborn period, liver disease with cholestasis, peripheral pulmonic stenosis and unusual face. Children with Alagille syndrome usually present with jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the […]
- Cholesterol
The most common type of steroid in the body. Cholesterol has a reputation for being associated with an increased risk for heart and blood vessel disease. However, cholesterol is essential to the formation of bile acids, vitamin D, progesterone, estrogens (estradiol, estrone, estriol), androgens (androsterone, testosterone), mineralocorticoid hormones (aldosterone, corticosterone), and glucocorticoid hormones (cortisol). Cholesterol […]
- Cholesterol ester transfer protein
Cholesterol ester transfer protein: A protein that helps regulate the size of cholesterol particles and influence the process of atherogenesis (the formation of plaques in arteries). Abbreviated CETP. The CETP gene is in chromosome band 16q21. A number of mutations are known in the CETP gene. Some result in CEPT deficiency, increased levels of HDL […]