Infectious Diseases Glossary

noun a feeling on the skin that makes you want to scratch

verb present participle of the verb 'itch', meaning to have an uncomfortable feeling on the skin that makes you want to scratch

• The itching sensation on my skin could be a sign of an allergic reaction.
• I can't stop scratching my arm because it's itching like crazy.
• My mosquito bites are itching like nobody's business.
• The idea of quitting my job was itching at the back of my mind.

noun a small, blood-sucking arachnid that attaches itself to the skin of animals or humans

verb to mark an item on a list with a checkmark or to make a ticking sound

• The clock's tick was barely audible in the quiet room.
• I can't sleep when I hear that annoying tick from the clock.
• That party was ticking last night!
• Each tick of the clock represented a moment lost in time.

noun a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes that causes severe joint and muscle pain

• The medical team is closely monitoring the patient's condition as he battles bonebreak fever.
• I heard that Sarah's cousin was hospitalized with bonebreak fever.
• I feel like I've been hit with a truck, must be bonebreak fever or something.
• The intense pressure of the project deadline felt like a case of bonebreak fever.

noun a stage in the life cycle of certain parasitic protozoans, such as trypanosomes, characterized by a long, slender, undulating membrane

• The amastigote stage is characterized by the parasite living and multiplying within host cells.
• I read that the amastigote is the stage where the parasite hides inside cells.
• Yo, did you know about that sneaky amastigote stage where the parasite chills inside cells?
• The amastigote stage can be seen as the parasite's cozy hideout within the host's cells.

noun an inflammation of the lymph nodes

• Lymphadenitis is the inflammation of the lymph nodes due to an infection.
• I heard that lymphadenitis can be really painful.
• Dealing with lymphadenitis is a real pain in the neck.
• The lymphadenitis of rumors spread quickly through the small town.

noun a fungal infection of the foot, typically contracted in tropical climates

• Hong Kong foot, also known as athlete's foot, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet.
• I heard that Hong Kong foot can be really itchy and uncomfortable.
• My brother picked up a nasty case of Hong Kong foot at the gym.
• The rapid spread of misinformation online is like a contagious Hong Kong foot infecting society.

noun a type of parasitic worm that infects the intestines of animals and humans

• Agchylostoma is a genus of parasitic nematode worms that infect the small intestine of mammals.
• I heard that agchylostoma can cause serious health issues if left untreated.
• Dude, I think I have agchylostoma after that camping trip.
• The agchylostoma of doubt gnawed at his mind, causing him to second-guess every decision.