Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

T-suppressor count
A test that counts the number
of T-suppressor (T-8) cells in the bloodstream. See
also 
helper/suppressor ratio; T-suppressor cell. 
Tsutsugamushi disease
See 
typhus, scrub.
TTP
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
tubal ligation
A form of surgical sterilization
performed as a contraceptive option in women who
never want to become pregnant in the future. It is
considered permanent because reversal requires
major surgery. The procedure blocks the fallopian
tubes by various surgical techniques, usually under
general anesthesia.
tubal pregnancy
See 
pregnancy, tubal.
tube
A long, hollow cylinder. There are many
tube-like structures in the human body, such as the
Eustachean tube in the ear. For specific types of
tubes, see their alphabetical listing
.
tuber
A lump or bump. For example, the back-
ward protrusion of the heel is called the tuber cal-
canei or, alternatively, the tuberosity of the
calcaneus. Small tubers are a characteristic finding
in tuberculosis, and tubers in the brain are seen in
tuberous sclerosis.
tubercle
A small tuber; a small lump or bump.
tuberculosis
A highly contagious infection that is
caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculo-
sis. Abbreviated TB. Tubercles (tiny lumps) are a
characteristic finding in TB. Diagnosis is made via
skin test, which if positive is followed by a chest X-
ray to determine the status (active or dormant) of
the infection. TB is more common in people with
immune system problems, including AIDS, than in
others. Treatment of active TB is mandatory by law
in the US, and it should be available at no cost to the
patient through the public health system. It involves
a course of antibiotics and vitamins that lasts about
6 months. It is important to finish the entire treat-
ment, both to prevent reoccurrence and to prevent
the development of antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis.
Quarantine is not needed for most patients with
tuberculosis, but it is sometimes necessary. See also
tuberculosis, active; tuberculosis, antibiotic-
resistant; tuberculosis, dormant; tuberculosis,
miliary.