polio, abortive A minor form of infection with poliovirus that accounts for 80 to 90 percent of clinically apparent cases of polio in the US, chiefly in young children. The usual symptoms—slight fever, malaise, headache, sore throat, and vomiting— emerge 3 to 5 days after exposure to the virus. Full recovery occurs in 24 to…
polio An acute and sometimes devastating viral disease that affects the nervous system. Humans are the only natural hosts for poliovirus. The virus enters the mouth and multiplies in lymphoid tissues in the pharynx and intestine. Small numbers of virus particles enter the blood and go to other sites, where the virus multiplies more extensively….
Poland syndrome An uncommon, unique pattern of one-sided malformations that is characterized by a defect of the chest muscle (pectoralis) on one side of the body and webbing and shortening of the fingers (cutaneous syndactyly) on the hand on the same side. Its cause is uncertain, and it does not appear to run in families….
poisoning, silver See argyria.
poisoning Taking a substance that is injurious to health or can cause death. See also poison; Poison control center.
poison oak Skin inflammation that results from contact with the poison oak plant. Chemicals produced by this plant cause an immune reaction, producing redness, itching, and blistering of the skin. Treatment involves use of topical medication.
poison ivy Skin inflammation that results from contact with the poison ivy vine. Chemicals produced by this vine cause an immune reaction, producing redness, itching, and blistering of the skin. Treatment involves use of topical medications.
poison control center A special information center set up to inform people about how to respond to potential poisoning. These centers maintain databases of poisons and appropriate emergency treatment. Local poison control centers should be listed with other community-service numbers in the front of the telephone book, and they can also be reached immediately through…
poison Any substance that can cause severe organ damage or death if ingested, breathed in, or absorbed through the skin. Many substances that normally cause no problems, including water and most vitamins, can be poisonous if taken in excessive quantity. Poison treatment depends on the substance.
point mutation A single nucleotide base change in DNA. For example, a point mutation is the cause of sickle cell disease.
point, McBurney See McBurney point.
poikiloderma congenita See RothmundThomson syndrome.