AGRANULOCYTOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Agranulocytosis is a medical condition characterized by a severe reduction in the number of granulocytes, a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting bacterial infections. Granulocytes, which consist of neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, play a fundamental role in protecting the body against harmful pathogens by identifying, engulfing, and destroying them.
The term agranulocytosis is derived from the Greek words "a" meaning "without," "granos" meaning "grain," and "kytos" meaning "cell." This condition is often caused by the suppression or destruction of the bone marrow, where white blood cells are produced. Agranulocytosis can be acquired or inherited, although the acquired form is more common.
Symptoms of agranulocytosis primarily include a high susceptibility to infections and fever, as a compromised immune system struggles to effectively combat bacteria. The condition can rapidly progress and may lead to life-threatening complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Medical professionals typically diagnose agranulocytosis through a blood test that reveals markedly decreased levels of granulocytes. Once diagnosed, treatment usually involves discontinuing any medications or substances known to cause the condition, such as certain antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to administer antibiotics and other supportive care, bolstering the body's defense against infections.
Overall, agranulocytosis is a serious condition that calls for immediate medical attention to prevent the potential risks and complications associated with a weakened immune system.
Common Misspellings for AGRANULOCYTOSIS
- zgranulocytosis
- sgranulocytosis
- wgranulocytosis
- qgranulocytosis
- afranulocytosis
- avranulocytosis
- abranulocytosis
- ahranulocytosis
- ayranulocytosis
- atranulocytosis
- ageanulocytosis
- agdanulocytosis
- agfanulocytosis
- agtanulocytosis
- ag5anulocytosis
- ag4anulocytosis
- agrznulocytosis
- agrsnulocytosis
- agrwnulocytosis
Etymology of AGRANULOCYTOSIS
The word "agranulocytosis" has its roots in two main components:
1. "Agrano-" is derived from the Greek word "a-" meaning "without" or "not", and "granon" meaning "granule". In the context of agranulocytosis, agrano- refers to the absence or deficiency of granulocytes, which are a type of white blood cell.
2. "-cytosis" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "kutos" meaning "cell". It is used in medical terminology to refer to any abnormal condition involving an increase or decrease in the number of cells.
Combining these components, "agranulocytosis" literally means a condition characterized by the absence or deficiency of granulocytes in the blood.
Similar spelling word for AGRANULOCYTOSIS
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