Dictionary

bacteriocidal Capable of killing bacteria. Antibiotics, antiseptics, and disinfectants can all be bacteriocidal.

bacterial vaginosis A vaginal condition characterized by an abnormal vaginal discharge due to an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. Women with bacterial vaginosis also have fewer than the usual population of vaginal bacteria, called lactobacilli. Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are vaginal discharge and sometimes a fishy odor. A microscopic sign of bacterial vaginosis…

1. Definition “Bacterial” refers to anything related to bacteria, which are microscopic, single-celled organisms. The term is commonly used to describe infections, processes, or substances associated with bacteria. 2. Examples of Usage 3. Common Bacterial Infections 4. Treatment

bacteria, flesh-eating See necrotizing fasciitis. Flesh-eating bacteria, medically known as necrotizing fasciitis, is a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening condition. It is caused by certain types of bacteria that invade and destroy the body’s soft tissues, including skin, muscle, and fat. While many different bacteria can potentially cause necrotizing fasciitis, the most common culprits…

bacteria Single-celled microorganisms that can exist either as independent (free-living) organisms or as parasites (dependent on another organism for life). The plural of bacterium. Examples of bacteria include Acidophilus, a normal inhabitant of yogurt; Gonococcus which causes gonorrhea; Clostridium welchii, the most common cause of gangrene; E. coli, which lives in the colon and can…

bacteremia The presence of live bacteria in the bloodstream. Also known as bacillemia. See also blood culture; septicemia.

backbone The spine, a flexible row of bones stretching from the base of the skull to the tailbone. See also vertebral column.

back pain, low Pain in the lower back area that can be caused by problems with the lumbar spine, the discs between the vertebrae, the ligaments around the spine and discs, the spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, or the skin covering the lumbar area….

back pain Pain felt in the low or upper back. Causes of pain in the low and upper back include conditions affecting the bony spine; discs between the vertebrae; ligaments around the spine and discs; spinal inflammation; spinal cord and nerves; muscles; internal organs of the pelvis, chest, and abdomen; tumors; and the skin.

bacillus A large family of bacteria that are rodlike in shape. They include the bacteria that cause food to spoil, as well as those that are responsible for some diseases. Helpful members of the bacillus family are used to make antibiotics or colonize the human intestinal tract and aid with digestion.

baby teeth See primary teeth.

Babinski reflex A reflex used to determine adequacy of the higher (central) nervous system. The Babinski reflex is obtained by stimulating the outside of the sole of the foot, causing extension of the big toe while fanning the other toes. The examiner begins the stimulation at the heel and goes forward to the base of…