DTP immunization Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) immunization, a vaccine that is given in a series of five shots at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months of age and again at 4 to 6 years of age. Due to vaccination programs, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis have become less common than they were in the…
DTaP immunization Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular-pertussis immunization, a vaccine that, like DTP, protects against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus. DTaP is the same as DTP, except that it contains only acellular pertussis vaccine, which is thought to cause fewer of the minor reactions associated with immunization. Acellular pertussis vaccine is also probably less likely than regular pertussis…
DT immunization A vaccination against diphtheria and tetanus. DT immunization does not protect from pertussis as the DTP and DTaP immunizations do. It is usually reserved for individuals who have had a significant adverse reaction to a DTP shot or who have a personal or family history of seizure disorder or brain disease. See also…
DSM-IV Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, the official source on definitions related to mental illness.
dry skin See xeroderma.
dry mouth See xerostomia.
dry eyes See xerophthalmia.
drugs during pregnancy, dangerous See teratogen.
drug-induced Incited or caused by a drug.
drug-coated stent See coated stent.
drug screen An examination of biologic material to detect the presence of certain drugs and determine prior drug use. Also known as a drug test.
drug resistance The ability of bacteria and other microorganisms to withstand a drug that once stalled them or killed them.