List of MeSH codes (C22)

List of MeSH codes (C22) refers to a comprehensive categorization within the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) system, specifically focusing on diseases or conditions that primarily affect animals. MeSH is a hierarchical vocabulary used by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to index articles for the PubMed database and other resources. It facilitates searching and organizing biomedical and health-related information by assigning standardized terms, known as MeSH terms, to topics. The C22 category encompasses a wide range of animal diseases, which are further subdivided into specific conditions and diseases affecting various species.

Overview

The C22 category in the MeSH hierarchy specifically addresses animal diseases. This categorization plays a crucial role in veterinary medicine research, zoonotic disease studies, and comparative medicine. It includes diseases that affect both domestic and wild animals, ranging from common conditions to more exotic diseases. The classification under C22 helps researchers, veterinarians, and public health professionals find relevant literature on animal health issues, contributing to advancements in treatment, prevention, and understanding of these diseases.

Structure

The structure of the List of MeSH codes (C22) is organized into several subcategories, each focusing on different aspects of animal diseases. These subcategories include but are not limited to:

- Bird Diseases - Cat Diseases - Cattle Diseases - Dog Diseases - Fish Diseases - Horse Diseases - Sheep Diseases - Swine Diseases - Zoonoses

Each of these subcategories further divides into more specific diseases and conditions affecting the respective animal species. For example, within the Cat Diseases subcategory, one might find specific conditions such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) infection.

Importance

The categorization of animal diseases under the MeSH C22 codes is vital for several reasons. It aids in the systematic review of literature across various animal species, facilitating cross-species comparisons and the identification of patterns in disease occurrence and treatment. Additionally, understanding animal diseases is crucial for veterinary medicine, wildlife conservation, and public health, especially considering the potential for zoonotic diseases to transfer from animals to humans.

Challenges

One of the challenges in maintaining and updating the List of MeSH codes (C22) is the continuous evolution of knowledge regarding animal diseases. New diseases emerge, and existing conditions are better understood over time, necessitating regular updates to the MeSH system. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary nature of studying animal diseases—intersecting veterinary science, human medicine, and environmental science—adds complexity to categorizing and indexing this information.

Conclusion

The List of MeSH codes (C22) serves as an essential tool for organizing and accessing information on animal diseases. By providing a structured approach to categorize and index this information, the MeSH system supports research and practice in veterinary medicine, public health, and related fields. As our understanding of animal diseases continues to evolve, so too will the categorization and indexing systems that help manage this knowledge.