Competition
Competition (medicine)
Competition (pronounced: /kɒmpɪˈtɪʃən/) in the field of medicine refers to the interaction between two or more species, or individuals of the same species, for a limited resource. This interaction can have significant implications in the study of epidemiology, pharmacology, and medical biology.
Etymology
The term 'competition' originates from the Latin word 'competere', which means 'to strive together'. In the context of medicine, it refers to the struggle between organisms or species for the same essential resources.
Related Terms
- Coexistence (medicine): The ability of two or more species to live together in the same environment.
- Predation (medicine): A biological interaction where one organism feeds on another.
- Parasitism (medicine): A non-mutual relationship between species, where one species benefits at the expense of the other.
- Mutualism (medicine): An interaction between two or more species where both species have a net benefit.
In Pharmacology
In pharmacology, competition refers to the interaction between two or more drugs competing for the same receptor sites. This can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of one or both drugs. An example of this is the competition between aspirin and ibuprofen for the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.
In Medical Biology
In medical biology, competition can occur between different species for resources such as food, space, or light. This can lead to changes in population sizes and the evolution of different traits. An example of this is the competition between different strains of bacteria in the human gut.
In Epidemiology
In epidemiology, competition can occur between different strains of a disease. This can affect the spread and severity of the disease. An example of this is the competition between different strains of the influenza virus.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Competition
- Wikipedia's article - Competition
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