Glossary

lumbar puncture – taking a sample of spinal fluid by inserting a needle into the body at the base of the spine. Also called a spinal tap.

autoantibody – abnormal antibodies produced against the body’s own tissues.

protozoa – a single-celled animals that are larger and more complex than bacteria.

percentage (%) – a number as a proportion of 100.

replicate – to duplicate, copy or reproduce. It is more scientifically accurate to refer to a virus replicating than reproducing.