Willowbrook Hepatitis Experiments

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the Willowbrook Hepatitis Experiments and their ethical implications.

Hepatitis A

A relatively mild disease affecting the liver, usually spread from person to person through contaminated feces.

Gamma globulin

Antibodies taken from the blood of hepatitis patients, used to create immunity against hepatitis.

Immune system

The body's defense system against foreign substances, producing antibodies in response to infections.

Ethical considerations

Factors assessed in research to ensure respect, fairness, and that risks are not unduly imposed on participants.

Consent

Permission granted by parents for children to participate in the research after being informed about the study.

Chronic infection

Long-term infection that can occur with hepatitis B, which is harder to transmit than hepatitis A.

Control group

A group in a study that does not receive the experimental treatment and is used as a benchmark.

Experimental group

A group in a study that receives the treatment or intervention being tested.

Hepatitis B

A more severe form of hepatitis, spread through blood and sexual contact, leading to long-term health problems.

Informed consent

A process of communication, ensuring that participants are fully aware of the risks involved in a study.