Science and Development Network
News, views and information about science, technology and the developing world
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Definitions
A list of terms related to Bird flu.
A
Absorptive capacity
The ability to identify, assimilate and apply useful external knowledge, such as operational, design, scientific and technological knowledge (see also learning/technological learning and technological capabilities).
Adenovirus
A group of viruses that cause respiratory tract and eye infections and are relatives of the common cold virus; researchers are using adenoviruses in attempts to make recombinant influenza vaccines.
Adjuvant
A chemical that is added to vaccines to increase their effectiveness; it allows researchers to reduce the amount of antigen that needs to be put into a vaccine.
AI
See avian influenza.
Amantadine
An antiviral drug approved by the US Food and Drug Association in 1976 to treat influenza A in adults. Some reports say amantadine was used to treat poultry in China for avian influenza, which may have led to the emergence of H5N1 virus strains that are resistant to the drug. It is structurally similar to rimantadine and is sold under the brand names Symmetrel and Amentrel.
Antibody
A molecule produced by the immune system that helps fight infections. The structure of each antibody allows it to interact with a specific antigen. The interaction between an antibody-antigen pair is described as 'binding'.
Antigen
A substance that is foreign to the body and that prompts the immune system to fight infection. They form the active ingredient of vaccines.
Antiviral drug
A class of drugs used to kill viruses.
Applied research
Original investigation undertaken to acquire new knowledge, but directed primarily towards a specific practical objective (see also research and development) (FM).
Avian influenza
A disease affecting birds, caused by an influenza virus first identified more than 100 years ago. Avian influenza can be caused by any one of several dozen influenza viruses. The recent outbreaks in Asia, however, have been largely caused by a highly contagious and virulent strain, known as H5N1.
