Glossary

C

COVID-19

This disease is caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which was first identified in December 2019. COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory tract, but can also cause damage to other organs. The disease can progress almost without symptoms or like a harmless cold. Especially in high-risk groups, COVID-19 can lead to severe courses with pneumonia and acute lung failure.

Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever

Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral infection with high mortality, which is mostly transmitted by ticks.

CRISPR-Cas9

CRISPR-Cas9 is a genome editing tool that allows cutting DNA at the sequence of choice. It offers new opportunities for the therapy of viral diseases.

Cytokines

Cytokines are small proteins released by cells that influence the interaction and communication between cells.

Cytomegalovirus

The cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a herpes virus that is spread worldwide and remains in the body for life after infection.

D

Daptomycin

Daptomycin is an antibiotic of last resort that is used to treat infections with gram-positive MRSA.

Decolonisation

Decolonisation is the elimination of certain pathogens in humans.

Dengue fever

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the tiger mosquito.

Directly acting antivirals

Directly acting antivirals (DAA) are novel drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C, which directly target the hepatitis C virus.

DNA sequencing

DNA sequencing is the determination of the order of building blocks within a DNA molecule.