Glossary

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E

efflux pump

Membrane proteins found in bacteria and other cells that actively transport molecules, including antibiotics and toxins, out of the cell.

enzymes

Proteins that speed up (catalyse) chemical reactions in living organisms.

equity

‘The absence of unfair, avoidable or remediable differences among groups of people, whether those groups are defined socially, economically, demographically or demographically or by other dimensions of inequality (e.g. sex, gender, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation) ... Health equity is achieved when everyone can attain their full potential for health and wellbeing.’ (WHO, n.d. 1).

eukaryotes

One of the two main categories of living things (the other is prokaryotes). Eukaryotic organisms, including humans and animals, have cells containing nuclei and other membranous organelles.

exposure

When a person comes into contact with an infectious pathogen. Environmental factors such as ventilation, temperature and humidity influence the level of exposure a person has to infectious diseases.