Adaptive Mutation - A mechanism through which certain cells can increase the rate in which genetic mutations occur, often in response to stress. This mechanism may help explain how bacteria develop resistance to certain antibiotics.⏎
Autoimmune Disease - An umbrella term for a range of conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the body.⏎
Antibodies - A class of drugs used to kill or inhibit the growth of disease-causing microorganisms. Typically antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria, but in some cases they are also used against other microorganisms, such as fungi and protozoa.⏎
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - A federal agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that works with partners across the United States to ensure public health—through health promotion; prevention of disease, injury, and disability; and preparedness for new health threats.⏎
Bacilli - A taxonomic class of bacteria.⏎