Glossary

I

Immune system

The immune system comprises organs, tissues, cells and molecules, which protect the body against pathogens.

immunocompromised

In immunosuppression, the body's own defense system, the immune system, is compromised. This can be achieved specifically with drugs or triggered by disease or particular stress. Elderly people and patients with chronic diseases like cancer or diabetes also have weakened immune systems, they are immunocompromised and therefore susceptible to infectious diseases.

Immunodeficiency

Immunodeficiency manifests in a reduced resistance to infections and, as a consequence, in an increased susceptibility to disease.

Immunodiagnostics

In immunodiagnostics, diagnoses are made by means of immunological markers.

Immunomodulation

Immunomodulation refers to the modification of the immune system. It can be weakened or stimulated.

Immunomonitoring

Immunomonitoring allows assessing a person’s immune status.

Immunopathology

Immunopathology deals with disorders of the immune system. These include autoimmune diseases, allergies and immunodeficiences.

Immunotherapy

The aim of immunotherapy is to influence the body’s own immune system in order to fight infections or cancer.

Influenza

Influenza is a disease of the airways that is caused by the influenza virus.
L

Last-resort antibiotic

A last-resort antibiotic is used to treat infections with bacteria that are resistant against the common antibiotics or, in cases of severe infections, where an effect must be ensured.