Microbiology Glossary
Browse our comprehensive collection of 777 microbiology terms and definitions.
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Antigenic Drift
Antigenic drift refers to the gradual accumulation of point mutations in viral genes encoding surface antigens, resulting in small but meaningful changes that...
Antigenic Shift
Antigenic shift describes the sudden replacement of surface antigens in a virus through genetic reassortment, producing a new strain with novel antigenic...
Antigenic Variation
Antigenic variation is a strategy by which pathogens alter the proteins or carbohydrates on their surface to evade recognition by the host immune system. By...
Antimicrobial Resistance
The ability of microbes to withstand drugs that once killed or inhibited them Explanation Antimicrobial resistance AMR describes the capacity of bacteria,...
Antimicrobials
Agents that kill or inhibit microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites Explanation Antimicrobials encompass a broad group of substances that...
Antiparasitic
Medications that kill, paralyze or inhibit parasites living on or inside a host Explanation Antiparasitic agents are used to treat infections caused by...
Antiprotozoal
Agents that destroy or inhibit protozoan parasites Explanation Protozoa are unicellular eukaryotic organisms that live as free‑living microbes or as parasites...
Antiseptics
Substances applied to living tissue to kill or inhibit microorganisms Explanation Antiseptics are chemical agents used on the skin and mucous membranes to...
Antiviral Resistance
When viruses become less susceptible to antiviral drugs due to genetic changes Explanation Antiviral resistance arises when a virus evolves to evade the...
Antivirals
Medications that suppress viral replication and infection Explanation Antivirals are drugs developed to treat infections caused by viruses. Unlike...
Arbovirus
An arbovirus is any virus that is transmitted by blood‑feeding arthropods such as mosquitoes, ticks or sandflies. The term is descriptive rather than taxonomic...
Archaea
Domain of single-celled microorganisms with unique cell walls and membranes, distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes Explanation Archaea are prokaryotic...
Ascaris lumbricoides
A large nematode that parasitizes the human intestine; adult females measure 20–35 cm and males 15–30 cm. Explanation Ascaris lumbricoides is a large...
Aseptate
Hyphae without septa, forming a continuous multinucleate filament. Explanation Aseptate hyphae are fungal filaments that lack cross‑walls septa along their...
Aseptic
Free from contamination by pathogenic microorganisms; performed in a sterile manner to prevent infection. Explanation Aseptic means free of pathogenic...
Aspergillus
Genus of filamentous moulds that reproduce by conidia; includes both pathogens and industrially useful species. Explanation Aspergillus is a large genus of...
Astrovirus MLB1
Astrovirus MLB1 AstV‑MLB1 is a genotype of human astrovirus belonging to the species Mamastrovirus 8 in the family Astroviridae. It is a non‑enveloped,...
Astrovirus MLB2
Astrovirus MLB2 AstV‑MLB2 is a genotype of human astrovirus belonging to the MLB clade of the family Astroviridae. It is a non‑enveloped, positive‑sense...
Astrovirus MLB3
Astrovirus MLB3 AstV‑MLB3 is a genotype of human astrovirus in the MLB clade of the family Astroviridae. Like other astroviruses it is a non‑enveloped,...
Astrovirus VA1
Astrovirus VA1 AstV‑VA1, also known as HMO‑C, is a genotype of human astrovirus in the VA clade of the family Astroviridae. It is a non‑enveloped,...
Astrovirus VA2
Astrovirus VA2 AstV‑VA2, also known as HMO‑A, is a human astrovirus genotype classified within the VA clade of the family Astroviridae. It is a non‑enveloped,...
Astrovirus VA3
Astrovirus VA3 AstV‑VA3, also called HMO‑B, is a genotype of human astrovirus belonging to the VA clade in the family Astroviridae. It is a non‑enveloped,...
Astrovirus VA4
Astrovirus VA4 AstV‑VA4 is a rarely detected genotype of human astrovirus in the VA clade within the family Astroviridae. It is a non‑enveloped, positive‑sense...
ATCC
American Type Culture Collection ATCC is a nonprofit organization that preserves, authenticates and distributes reference cultures, cell lines and biological...