Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

anthrax, inhalation
Anthrax infection of the
lungs, also known as pulmonary anthrax, that is due
to the inhalation of anthrax spores. The inhaled
spores multiply rapidly in the lymph nodes in the
chest. A person infected with inhalation anthrax
experiences local bleeding and tissue death (necro-
sis) in these lymph nodes, and the disease spreads to
the adjacent lung tissue. The first symptoms are sub-
tle, gradual, and somewhat flu-like, including rising
fever. In a few days, severe respiratory distress
occurs, followed by shock and coma. Prompt recog-
nition and treatment are critical. Even with treat-
ment, the patient may die. Once called woolsorters’
disease.
anthrax immunization
A series of six injections
over a 6-month period, followed by annual booster
shots, given to military personnel and others
(including veterinarians who work with large ani-
mals) who are at high risk of anthrax exposure.
anthrax toxin
The toxic substance secreted by
the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, the cause of the
disease anthrax.
anti-angiogenesis drug
A drug, such as angio-
statin or endostatin, that halts the development of
new blood vessels (angiogenesis).
antibiotic
A substance produced by one microor-
ganism that selectively inhibits the growth of another.
Synthetic antibiotics, usually chemically related to
naturally occurring antibiotics, are made to accom-
plish comparable tasks. Antibiotics are used to treat
bacterial infections. See also 
cephalosporin antibi-
otics; penicillin.
antibiotic resistance
The ability of bacteria and
other microorganisms to resist the effects of an
antibiotic to which they were once sensitive.
Antibiotic resistance is a major concern of overuse
of antibiotics. Also known as drug resistance.
antibody
A specialized immune protein (an
immunoglobulin) produced because of the intro-
duction of an antigen into the body. An antibody pos-
sesses the remarkable ability to combine with the
antigen that triggered its production. The production
of antibodies is a major function of the immune sys-
tem and is carried out by a type of white blood cell
called a B cell, or a B lymphocyte. Antibodies can be
triggered by, and directed toward, foreign proteins,
microorganisms, or toxins. Antibodies that are
directed against one’s own tissues are referred to as
autoantibodies. See also 
immune system.