Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Tuberculin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💉
Add to dictionary

tuberculin

[tjuːˈbɜːrkjʊlɪn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical testing

Tuberculin is a purified protein derivative used in medical testing to determine if a person has been exposed to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. It is primarily used in the tuberculin skin test (TST), where a small amount of tuberculin is injected into the skin to observe the reaction after a couple of days.

Synonyms

purified protein derivative, tuberculin skin test.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor administered the tuberculin test.
  • A positive tuberculin reaction indicates possible TB exposure.
  • Tuberculin is used in diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Tuberculin was discovered in 1882 by Robert Koch, a German scientist who studied bacteria.
  • Originally, it was used as a treatment for tuberculosis, but it later became more known as a test for the disease.

Medical Use

  • The tuberculin skin test measures how the immune system reacts to the tuberculosis bacteria.
  • This test is also known as the Mantoux test and involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin under the skin.

Cultural Impact

  • The introduction of tuberculin testing changed public health policies, leading to better management of tuberculosis outbreaks.
  • In many countries, the tuberculin skin test is a standard procedure for healthcare workers and vulnerable populations.

Scientific Importance

  • Tuberculin testing helps identify latent tuberculosis, a condition where people are infected but show no symptoms.
  • Understanding how tuberculin works has contributed to advancements in vaccine research, particularly for tuberculosis.

Misconceptions

  • People often confuse tuberculin with the actual tuberculosis bacteria, but tuberculin is just a byproduct used for testing.
  • There is a misconception that a positive tuberculin test means active tuberculosis; it only indicates exposure to the bacteria.

Origin of 'tuberculin'

The term 'tuberculin' originates from the late 19th century, derived from the Latin word 'tuberculum', meaning 'small swelling' or 'nodule'. It was first used by Robert Koch in 1890 when he discovered that the cultural filtrate from the tuberculosis bacillus contained proteins that could elicit a reaction in those infected with the bacteria. This led to the development of the tuberculin skin test, which became a crucial tool for diagnosing tuberculosis. The history of tuberculin reflects a significant milestone in medical bacteriology and the efforts to combat tuberculosis, a major public health concern at the time.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,967, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.