liquid paraffin A lubricant laxative drug obtained from petroleum. It can cause anal irritation, and prolonged use may impair the absorption of vitamins from the intestine into the blood. lisinopril An ACE inhibitor drug commonly used to treat hypertension. lisp A common speech disorder caused by protrusion of the tongue between the teeth so that the “s” sound is replaced by “th”. Sometimes the cause is a cleft palate (see cleft lip and palate). In most children, there is no physical defect and lisping disappears by the age of about 4. listeriosis An infection that is common in animals and may also affect humans. It is caused by the bacterium LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES, which is widespread in the environment, especially in soil. Possible sources of human infection include soft cheese, ready-prepared coleslaw and salads, and improperly cooked meat.
In most adults, the only symptoms are fever and aching muscles. There may also be sore throat, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Pneumonia, septicaemia, and meningitis may develop in severe cases. However, listeriosis can be life-threatening, particularly in elderlypeople, those with reduced immunity, and newborn babies. In pregnant women, infection may cause a miscarriage.
The condition is diagnosed by blood tests and analysis of other body fluids, such as urine. Treatment is with antibiotic drugs, such as ampicillin.... lip-reading