Microbiology Glossary
Browse our comprehensive collection of 777 microbiology terms and definitions.
E
Echovirus 6
Echovirus 6 is one of the serotypes within the echovirus group of the Enterovirus B species. It is a non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus...
Echovirus 9
Echovirus 9 is one of the serotypes within the echovirus group of the Enterovirus B species. It is a non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus...
Electrophoresis
Electrophoresis is a technique in which charged molecules move through a supporting medium under the influence of an electric field, allowing separation of...
ELISA
Overview ELISA, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, is a plate‑based immunological test that detects and measures specific proteins such as antibodies,...
ELISA
ELISA, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, is a plate-based immunological test that detects and measures specific proteins such as antibodies, antigens or...
Endemic
Endemic describes a disease or condition that persists at a relatively constant level within a specific geographic area or population. An endemic disease...
Endolithic Microorganisms
Endolithic microorganisms are organisms that inhabit the interior of rocks or the pores between mineral grains. Thousands of species from bacteria, archaea and...
Endospore
An endospore is a dormant, highly resistant structure produced by certain Gram-positive bacteria when conditions become unfavorable. Endospores allow bacteria...
Endospore Stain
The endospore stain is a specialized differential staining technique used to visualize bacterial endospores, which resist conventional stains due to their...
Endotoxin
Endotoxin refers to the lipopolysaccharide component of the outer membrane of Gram‑negative bacteria. When these bacteria lyse or shed membrane blebs,...
Enrichment Media
Enrichment media are liquid or semi-solid culture media formulated to favour the proliferation of a specific microorganism or group of microorganisms while...
Enteric bacteria (Enterobacterales)
Enteric bacteria, classified in the order Enterobacterales, are Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic rods that inhabit the intestines of humans and animals....
Enteric fever
Enteric fever is a systemic infection caused by Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi and Paratyphi, collectively referred to as typhoid and paratyphoid fever. It...
Enterotoxin
Enterotoxins are secreted bacterial protein toxins that target the intestines, causing fluid secretion, electrolyte imbalance and diarrhoea. They interfere...
Enterovirus A71
Enterovirus A71 EV-A71 is a member of the species Enterovirus A in the Picornaviridae family. It is a non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus...
Enterovirus D68
Enterovirus D68 EV‑D68 is a non‑enveloped, positive‑sense RNA virus belonging to species Enterovirus D in the family Picornaviridae. It primarily causes...
Envelope (Viral)
The viral envelope is a lipid bilayer derived from the host cell membrane and studded with virus encoded proteins. It surrounds the nucleocapsid of many animal...
Epidemic
An epidemic refers to an increase, often sudden, in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in a population within a defined area. It...
Epigenetics
Epigenetics refers to reversible and heritable changes in gene expression that occur without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Explanation Epigenetic...
Epitope
An epitope is a discrete region on an antigen recognized by the antigen-binding site of an antibody or the receptor on a T lymphocyte. Structure and...
Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV, HHV‑4)
Epstein–Barr Virus EBV, HHV‑4 is an enveloped double‑stranded DNA virus of the Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily that infects B lymphocytes and oropharyngeal...
Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV/HHV‑4)
Epstein–Barr virus EBV, also called human herpesvirus 4, is a double‑stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. It infects B lymphocytes and epithelial...
ESBL
Extended-spectrum β‑lactamases ESBLs are enzymes produced by certain Gram‑negative bacteria that can break down and inactivate a broad range of β‑lactam...
Eubacteria
Eubacteria, often simply called bacteria, are prokaryotic microorganisms characterised by the presence of a peptidoglycan cell wall, lack of a membrane‑bound...