Malaria glossary

Glossary

Aminotransferase – enzymes that catalyze the transfer of an amino group between an alpha-amino acid and usually a specific carbon on a keto acid.

Bilirubin - A by-product of the break down of red blood cells. An excess of bilirubin in the blood causes the skin and eyes to become yellow, or jaundiced.

Hemoglobinuria - presence of hemoglobin in the urine.

Pulmonary edema - Excess fluid in the lungs.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome - ARDS is a life-threatening condition in which inflammation of the lungs and accumulation of fluid in the air sacs (alveoli) leads to low blood oxygen levels. While it shares some similarities with infant respiratory distress syndrome, its causes and treatments are different.

Splenomegaly – enlargement of spleen.

Lactate dehydrogenase - Group of isoenzymes that catalyze reversibly the conversion of pyruvic acid to lactic acid.

Endemic - a disease that is constantly present to a greater or lesser degree in people of a certain class or in people living in a particular location.