Dictionary

Infection control

Organisms, precautions and the practices that stop infection spreading.

TdapA vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) for older children, teens and adults.

terbinafineAn antifungal drug used on the skin for athlete's foot and ringworm, and by mouth for fungal nail infections.

tetanusA serious illness caused by a nerve toxin made by the bacterium Clostridium tetani.

throat cultureA test in which a swab of the back of the throat is grown in the lab to find which bacteria are there.

tineaA fungal infection of the skin, hair or nails.

tinea capitisA fungal infection of the scalp and hair, also called ringworm of the scalp.

tinea corporisA fungal infection of the skin of the body, commonly called ringworm, although no worm is involved.

tinea crurisA fungal infection of the skin of the groin and inner thighs, often called jock itch.

tinea pedisA fungal infection of the skin of the feet, often called athlete's foot.

toxic shock syndromeA rare, life-threatening illness caused by toxins from certain bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus aureus or group A streptococcus.

toxinA poison made by a living thing, such as a bacterium, plant or animal.

toxoplasmosisAn infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite carried by cats and found in undercooked meat and soil.

transmissionThe passing of an infection from one person, animal or object to another.

trichomoniasisA common sexually transmitted infection caused by a one-celled parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis.

tuberculin skin testA screening test in which a small amount of tuberculin protein is injected just under the skin of the forearm and the spot is checked days later.

tuberculosisAn infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most often attacks the lungs.