AIDSinfo Glossary of HIV/AIDS-Related Terms
Offering Information on HIV/AIDS
Treatment, Prevention, and Research
Glossary
of HIV/AIDS-Related Terms
6th Edition | December 2008
1
HIV/AIDS Glossary
AIDS
info
is pleased to present the sixth edition of the
Glossary of HIV/
AIDS-Related Terms
.
The Glossary is designed as a resource to help health care providers,
caseworkers, community-based organizations, and people living with
HIV/AIDS and their families and friends understand complex HIV/AIDS
terminology.
New in this edition:
• More than 170 new and updated terms, definitions, and abbreviations.
• An updated “Additional Resources” section.
The sixth edition’s updated “Additional Resources” section provides
details about useful resources for HIV/AIDS information. For each
resource included, there is a helpful description of services along
with contact information, Internet addresses, hours of operation, and
specifics such as bilingual capability.
A Spanish-language version of the glossary,
Glossario del VIH/SIDA
,
is also available. Both glossaries, along with an English-Spanish HIV/
AIDS terms translation tool, are available on the AIDS
info
and
info
SIDA
Web sites.
AIDS
info
, a service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), is a trusted source for information about HIV/AIDS
treatment, clinical trials, and medical practice guidelines for consumers
and health care providers. AIDS
info
is collectively sponsored by the
Nateo8alN*8stetutesNofNHealthN(N*H)RNCe8tersNforNMedecareNa8dNMedecaed
SerfecesN(CMS)RNHealthN]esourcesNa8dNSerfecesNAdme8estrateo8N(H]SA)R
and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
2
Speak with a Health Information Specialist at AIDS
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toll-free
number (
800-448-0440
) or online (
http://www.aidsinfo.nih.
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Specialists provide free,
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SIDA Web
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Medece8eRNsuchNas
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PubMedRNa8dNMedle8ePlus.
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AIDSinfo…your trusted source for information about HIV/AIDS
treatment, clinical trials, and medical practice guidelines for
consumers and health care providers.
A
HIV/AIDS Glossary
3
AACTG
See:
Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group
Acquired Immunity
The body’s ability to fight or prevent a specific infection. This ability
can be acquired either actively (by having and recovering from an
infection or by being vaccinated against an infection) or passively
(by receiving antibodies from an outside source, such as breast milk
or donated blood components).
See Also:
Active Immunity
Passive Immunity
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
A disease of the body’s immune system caused by the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS is characterized by the death of
CD4 cells (an important part of the body’s immune system), which
leaves the body vulnerable to life-threatening conditions, such as
infections and cancers.
See Also:
AIDS-Defining Condition
A*DSS]elatedNCa8cer
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Opportunistic Infection (OI)
Acquired Resistance
See:
PremaryN]esesta8ce
ACTG
See:
AIDS Clinical Trials Group
A
4
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Active Immunity
Protection from a specific infection that develops after having
and recovering from the infection or after being vaccinated against
the infection.
See Also:
Acquired Immunity
Acute HIV Infection
Also known as primary HIV infection or acute retroviral syndrome
(A]S).NTheNpereodNofNrapedNH*cNreplecateo8NthatNoccursN2NtoN4Nweeks
after infection by HIV. Acute HIV infection is characterized by a
dropNe8NCD4NcellNcou8tsNa8dNa8Ne8creaseNe8NH*cNlefelsNe8NtheNblood.
Some, but not all, individuals experience flu-like symptoms during
this period of infection. These symptoms, collectively known as
AIDS-related complex, can include fever, inflamed lymph nodes,
sore throat, and rash. These symptoms may last from a few days
toN4NweeksNa8dNthe8NgoNaway.
See Also:
A*DSS]elatedNComple5N(A]C)
Acute HIV Infection and Early Diseases Research
Program (AIEDRP)
A program funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases (NIAID) to conduct research with people who have been
recently infected with HIV. This research is aimed at understanding
how HIV infects humans and how the disease progresses to AIDS.
Scientists believe that events that occur during acute and early
infection may determine the ultimate course of the disease.
Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS)
See:
Acute HIV Infection
ADAPs
See:
AIDS Drug Assistance Programs
ADC
See:
AIDS Dementia Complex
A
5
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Adenopathy
See:
Lymphadenopathy Syndrome (LAS)
Adenovirus
A type of virus that commonly causes respiratory tract and eye
infections. Adenovirus-based vaccines are being studied as a
potential way of introducing viral particles that may stimulate an
immune response against HIV, thereby preventing or treating
HIV infection.
See Also:
]etroferus
Preventive HIV Vaccine
Adherence
Closely following (adhering to) a prescribed treatment regimen.
]e–ueresNaNpatee8tNtoNtakeNtheNcorrectNdoseNofNaNdrugNatNtheNcorrect
time, exactly as prescribed. Failure to adhere to an anti-HIV
treatment regimen can lead to virologic failure and drug resistance.
See Also:
Virologic Failure
DrugN]esesta8ce
Adjuvant
Substance added to a drug that enhances or modifies the original
drug. Also refers to a substance added to a vaccine to improve the
body’s immune response to that vaccine.
ADR
See:
AdferseNDrugN]eacteo8
Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group (AACTG)
A large clinical trial organization that conducts clinical research to
test treatment and prevention strategies for adult HIV infection and
AIDS. The AACTG is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
See Also:
Clinical Trial
A
6
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)
Any drug effect that is unwanted, unpleasant, or potentially harmful.
These effects may be mild and may disappear when the drug is
stopped or may subside as the body adjusts to the drug. Other
AD]sRNsuchNasNske8NrashesRNa8emeaRNorNorga8NdamageRNareNmore
sereous.NAD]sNmayNbeNasseg8edNgradesNofNUN(meld)NtoN4N(sereous)Nto
describe the strength of the reaction.
See Also:
Side Effect
Adverse Effect
See:
Adverse Event
Adverse Event (AE)
Any unfavorable and unintended sign (i.e., an abnormal laboratory
finding), symptom, or disease associated usually in relation to
timing, with the use of a drug or other intervention, whether or not
the event is considered related to this product.
See Also:
AdferseNDrugN]eacteo8N(AD])
AETCs
See:
AIDS Education and Training Centers
Agammaglobulinemia
Absence or low levels of antibodies in the blood. This condition
leaves a person vulnerable to infections.
See Also:
Antibody
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) that sponsors and conducts research on health care results,
quality, cost, use, and access.
AHRQ
See:
Age8cyNforNHealthcareN]esearchNa8dN[ualety
AIDS
See:
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
A
7
HIV/AIDS Glossary
AIDS Case Definition
See:
AIDS-Defining Condition
AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG)
A clinical trials network that evaluates treatments and new
therapeutic approaches for the treatment of HIV infection and
opportunistic diseases related to HIV/AIDS in adults.
AIDS-Defining Condition
Any of a list of illnesses that, when occurring in an HIV-infected
person, leads to a diagnosis of AIDS, the most serious stage of
HIV infection. AIDS is also diagnosed if an HIV-infected person has
aNCD4Ncou8tNlessNtha8N200NcellsTmmRNwhetherNorN8otNthatNperso8
3
has an AIDS-defining condition. The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) published a list of AIDS-defining conditions
e8NUYY3.NTheN2VNco8deteo8sNe8cludeNca8dedeasesRNcytomegaloferus
disease, Kaposi’s sarcoma,
Mycobacterium avium
complex,
Pneumocystis jiroveci
pneumonia, recurrent pneumonia, progressive
multifocal leukoencephalopathy, pulmonary tuberculosis, invasive
cervical cancer, and wasting syndrome.
See Also:
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC)
Also called HIV-associated dementia. A progressive mental disorder
wethdeffere8t8erfoussystemeffectsa8dme8talsymptoms.Me8tal
symptoms may include memory loss; speech problems; inability to
concentrate; poor judgment; or mood changes, such as depression.
Nervous system effects may include behavior changes, such as not
being able to perform daily tasks, and motor difficulties, such as loss
of control of the legs or moving slowly or stiffly. ADC is considered an
AIDS-defining condition in people with HIV.
AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs)
Programsauthorezedu8derTetle**ofthe]ya8WheteComprehe8sefe
A*DS]esources&merge8cy(CA]&)Actthatoperatee8all50statesR
theNDestrectNofNColumbeaRNGuamRNNorther8NMarea8aN*sla8dsRNPuerto
]ecoRNa8dNtheNcerge8N*sla8ds.NTheseNprogramsNprofedeNH*cSrelated
A
8
HIV/AIDS Glossary
prescription drugs to underinsured and uninsured individuals living
with HIV/AIDS.
AIDS Education and Training Centers (AETCs)
A8etworkofU5regeo8alce8tersthatco8ducttargetedRmultedesceple8ary
HIV education and training programs for health care providers. The
mission of these centers is to increase the number of health care
providers who are educated and motivated to counsel, diagnose,
treat, and manage individuals with HIV infection and to assist in the
prevention of high-risk behaviors that may lead to infection. AETCs are
adme8esteredbytheHealth]esourcesa8dSerfecesAdme8estrateo8(H]SA).
AIDS Encephalopathy
Malfu8cteo8NofNtheNbrae8NasNaNresultNofNH*cNe8fecteo8.NCa8NoccurNas
part of acute HIV infection or can result from chronic HIV infection.
AIDSinfo
A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) project
that offers the latest federally approved information on HIV/AIDS
clinical research, treatment and prevention, and medical practice
guidelines for people living with HIV/AIDS, their families and friends,
health care providers, scientists, and researchers. The service
includes a Web site with “Live Help,” a toll-free hotline (1-800-448-
0440);Nrespo8sesNtoNeSmaelNe8–uerees;Na8dNaNfareetyNofNpublecateo8s
that include treatment guidelines, drug fact sheets, and fact sheets
based on the guidelines. http://www.aidsinfo.nih.gov
AIDS-Related Cancer
A cancer that is more common or more aggressive in people with
HIV. These cancers include certain types of immune system cancers
(lymphomas), Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), cancers that affect the anus
and the cervix, and others. Having HIV appears to play a role in the
development and progression of these cancers, although people
without HIV can also have them.
AIDS-Related Complex (ARC)
A group of complications that commonly occur in the early stage of
A
9
HIV/AIDS Glossary
HIV infection. These may include recurrent fever, unexplained weight
loss, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, herpes, or fungal infection of
the mouth and throat.
See Also:
Acute HIV Infection
AIDS Service Organization (ASO)
A health association, support agency, or other service actively
involved in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
AIEDRP
See:
AcuteNH*cN*8fecteo8Na8dN&arlyNDeseasesN]esearchNProgram
Alanine Transaminase (ALT)
See:
Liver Function Tests
Alkaline Phosphatase
An enzyme normally present in certain cells within the liver, bone,
kidney, intestine, and placenta. When cells are destroyed in
those tissues, the enzyme leaks into the blood, and levels rise in
proporteo8NtoNtheNseferetyNofNtheNco8deteo8.NMeasureme8tNofNthes
enzyme is one way to evaluate the health of the liver.
ALT
See:
Alanine Transaminase
Amino Acid
A building block the body uses to make proteins.
See Also:
Protein
Anaphylaxis
Also called anaphylactic shock. A rare but life-threatening, whole-
body allergic reaction. Symptoms may appear quickly and include
difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or other parts of the body,
rapid drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or unconsciousness.
Anaphylaxis can be triggered by foods, drugs, insect stings, or
exertion, depending on an individual’s sensitivity.
A
10
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Anemia
A lower than normal number of red blood cells. Symptoms may
include fatigue, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Anorexia
Lack or loss of appetite.
Antagonism
See:
Drug Antagonism
Antenatal
See:
Prenatal
Antepartum
The time period before childbirth (refers to the mother).
Antibiotic
A natural or man-made substance that can kill or stop the
growth of micro-organisms, such as bacteria or fungi, that
can cause infections.
Antibody
Also known as immunoglobulin. A protein produced by the body’s
immune system to recognize and fight infectious organisms and
other foreign substances that enter the body. Each antibody is
specific to a particular piece of an infectious organism or other
foreign substance. Antibodies develop after the first exposure to
a substance.
See Also:
Antigen
Antifungal
A natural or man-made substance that can kill or stop the growth of
a fungus.
Antigen
Any substance considered foreign to the body that can stimulate
the body to produce antibodies against it. Antigens include bacteria,
A
11
HIV/AIDS Glossary
viruses, and allergens such as pollen.
See Also:
Antibody
Antigen-Presenting Cell (APC)
A type of cell that collects foreign materials (antigens), digests
them into small pieces, and displays or presents the pieces on its
surface. Other cells of the immune system recognize these pieces
and become activated to fight the foreign invader. APCs include B
lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells.
See Also:
Antigen
B Lymphocytes
Dendritic Cell
Macrophage
Antineoplastic
A natural or man-made substance that can kill or stop the growth or
spread of cancer cells.
Antiprotozoal
A natural or man-made substance that can kill or stop the growth of
single-celled micro-organisms called protozoa.
Antiretroviral (ARV)
A drug that interferes with the ability of a retrovirus, such as HIV, to
make more copies of itself.
See Also:
A8teretroferalNTherapyN(A]T)
HeghlyNActefeNA8teretroferalNTherapyN(HAA]T)
]etroferus
Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry
An ongoing project to collect observational, nonexperimental
information about the use of antiretrovirals during pregnancy.
Information from the registry is used to help health care providers
and patients weigh the potential risks and benefits of treatment
during pregnancy. The registry does not use patient names, and
registry staff obtain information from the patients’ physicians.
http:TTwww.AP]egestry.com
A
12
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
Treatment with drugs that inhibit the ability of retroviruses, such as
HIV, to multiply in the body. The antiretroviral therapy recommended
for HIV infection is referred to as highly active antiretroviral therapy
(HAA]T)RNwhechNusesNaNcombe8ateo8NofNdrugsNtoNattackNH*cNat
different points in its life cycle.
See Also:
HeghlyNActefeNA8teretroferalNTherapyN(HAA]T)
]etroferus
Antisense Drug
ANma8SmadeNsegme8tNofNDNANorN]NANthatNca8NlockNo8toNaNstra8d
ofNDNANorN]NANfromNaNferusNorNotherNmecroSorga8esm.NThesNmarks
the organism’s genetic instructions for destruction and prevents the
organism from making more copies of itself.
See Also:
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
]ebo8ucleecNAcedN(]NA)
Antiviral
A natural or man-made substance that can kill or stop the growth of
a virus.
APC
See:
Antigen-Presenting Cell
Aphthous Ulcer
A painful shallow sore in the mouth. The sore is usually oval shaped,
with a yellow-white center surrounded by a narrow red ring.
AphthousNulcersNareNUTXSNtoNUT4Se8chNacrossNa8dNhafeN8oNblesters.
They occur on the soft surfaces of the mouth, such as the inner
cheeks, inner lips, soft areas of the roof and floor of the mouth,
tongue, gums, and throat.
Apoptosis
The deliberate, programmed death of a cell. Apoptosis occurs as
a normal part of life and helps the body stay healthy. If cells are
damaged (for example, cancerous cells or cells infected with HIV),
the body orders those cells to die in order to contain the disease.
A
13
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Approved Drug
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must
approve a drug before it can be marketed and sold to the public.
The approval process involves several steps, including laboratory
and animal studies, clinical trials for safety and efficacy, filing of
a New Drug Application (NDA) by the manufacturer of the drug,
FDA review of the application, and FDA approval/rejection of the
application.
See Also:
New Drug Application (NDA)
ARC
See:
A*DSS]elatedNComple5
Area Under the Curve (AUC)
A measure of how much drug reaches a person’s bloodstream in a
given period of time (usually the time between each dose or within
24 hours of a dose). The AUC is calculated by plotting the drug’s
blood levels on a graph at different times during the set period
to form a curve. The area under this curve reflects the total drug
exposure in the set time period.
Arm
A8yNofNtheNtreatme8tNgroupsNe8NaNcle8ecalNtreal.NMostNcle8ecalNtrealsNhafe
two arms, but some have three or even more. Each arm receives a
different treatment or placebo.
See Also:
Clinical Trial
Placebo
ARS
See:
AcuteN]etroferalNSy8drome
ART
See:
Antiretroviral Therapy
Arthralgia
Joint pain with additional symptoms such as heat, redness,
tenderness to touch, loss of motion, or swelling.
A
14
HIV/AIDS Glossary
ARV
See:
Antiretroviral
ASO
See:
AIDS Service Organization
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
See:
Liver Function Tests
Aspergillosis
An infection of the lungs caused by the fungus
Aspergillus
. The
infection may also spread through the blood to other organs.
Symptoms include fever, chills, difficulty in breathing, and coughing
up blood. If the infection reaches the brain, it may cause dementia.
AST
See:
Aspartate Aminotransferase
Asymptomatic
Having no obvious signs or symptoms of disease.
Ataxia
Partial or complete loss of coordination of voluntary muscular
movements. This can interfere with a person’s ability to walk, talk,
eat, and perform other tasks of daily living.
Atherosclerosis
A condition that results from the gradual buildup of fatty
substances, including cholesterol, on artery walls. Use of PIs may
increase cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of developing
atherosclerosis. However, a recent study has shown that long-term
HAA]TNmayNactuallyNdecreaseNtheNreskNofNatheroscleroses.
See Also:
Cholesterol
A
15
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Attachment Inhibitor
Class of anti-HIV drugs that prevents the virus from attaching to a
new, healthy host cell, thus preventing cell infection.
See Also:
Entry Inhibitor
Attenuated
A term used to describe a bacterium or virus that has been
changed in the laboratory so that it is not harmful to people.
Attenuated viruses are often used as vaccines, because they can
no longer cause disease but can still stimulate a strong immune
response. Examples include the vaccines against polio (Sabin oral
vaccine), measles, mumps, and rubella.
AUC
See:
Area Under the Curve
Autoantibody
An antibody directed against the body’s own tissue.
See Also:
Antibody
Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
Death of bone (also known as osteonecrosis) caused by a loss of
blood supply to the bone tissue. AVN has occurred in the hip bones
of some people with HIV, but it is not clear if bone death occurs
because of HIV infection itself or as a side effect of anti-HIV drugs.
Symptoms include pain in the affected area of the body, limited
range of motion, joint stiffness, limping, and muscle spasms. If
untreated, AVN can cause progressive bone damage that leads to
bone collapse.
See Also:
Osteonecrosis
AVN
See:
Avascular Necrosis
B
16
HIV/AIDS Glossary
B2M
See:
BetaS2NMecroglobule8
Bactericide
A natural or man-made substance that kills bacteria.
Bacteriostatic
A natural or man-made substance that can prevent bacteria from
reproducing but cannot actually kill existing bacteria.
Bacterium
A microscopic organism consisting of one simple cell. Bacteria
occur naturally almost everywhere on earth, including in soil, on
skin, in the human gastrointestinal tract, and in many foods. Some
bacteria can cause disease in humans.
Baseline
A8Ne8etealNmeasureme8tN(forNe5ampleRNCD4Ncou8tNorNferalNload)Nmade
before starting treatment or therapy for a disease or condition. In
people infected with HIV, the baseline measurement is used as a
reference point to monitor HIV infection.
Basophil
An infection-fighting white blood cell that causes inflammation in
response to a micro-organism or other foreign invader.
B Cell
See:
B Lymphocyte
B-Cell Lymphoma
A type of cancer of the lymphatic tissue. People with HIV are more
prone to non-Hodgkin’s and other B-cell lymphomas, some of
which are considered AIDS-defining conditions in people with HIV.
See Also:
Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
B
17
HIV/AIDS Glossary
bDNA Assay
See:
Branched-Chain DNA Assay
Beta-2 Microglobulin (B2M)
A protein found on the surface of white blood cells. Increased
producteo8NorNdestructeo8NofNwheteNbloodNcellsNcausesNB2MNlefels
in the blood to increase. This increase is seen in people with
cancers involving white blood cells and in people with advanced
HIV disease.
b.i.d.
Twice-a-day dosing instructions.
Bilirubin
A yellowish substance excreted by the liver. Its measurement can
be used as an indication of the health of the liver. Large quantities of
bilirubin may cause the skin to take on a yellow tint (jaundice), and
very high levels may cause brain damage.
See Also:
Jaundice
Bioavailability
]ateNa8dNe5te8tNtoNwhechNaNdrugNesNabsorbedNa8dNafaelableNe8Nthe
tissues of the body.
Biological Response Modifier (BRM)
A natural or man-made substance that can boost, direct, or restore
immune system function.
Biopsy
The surgical removal and examination of an organ or tissue to aid in
diagnosis and treatment of a health condition.
Black Box Warning
Information found at the beginning of a drug’s prescribing
information, manufacturer labeling, and promotional material. This
information highlights important safety information, such as serious
side effects, drug interactions, or use restrictions. The black box
B
18
HIV/AIDS Glossary
warning is one of the strongest warnings issued by the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) and is reserved for drugs with significant
risks or monitoring requirements.
See Also:
Package Insert
Blip
A temporary increase in viral load in someone who previously had
undetectable virus and who later returns to having undetectable
ferus.NTheNferalNloadNdure8gNaNblepNesNusuallyNlowN(50NtoN500NcopeesTmb).
See Also:
Undetectable Viral Load (UDVL)
Blood-Brain Barrier
A selective obstacle between circulating blood and brain tissues
that prevents damaging substances from reaching the brain.
Certain substances easily cross the blood-brain barrier; others are
completely blocked.
B Lymphocyte
Also known as a B cell. Infection-fighting white blood cell that
develops in the bone marrow and spleen. B lymphocytes produce
antibodies. In people with HIV, the ability of B lymphocytes to do
their job may be damaged.
See Also:
Antibody
Body Habitus Changes
Abnormal changes in the body’s physical characteristics.
See Also:
Wasting Syndrome
Lipoatrophy
Lipohypertrophy
Bone Marrow Suppression
See:
Myelosuppresseo8
Booster
An additional dose or doses of a vaccine given after the initial dose
to enhance the immune response to the vaccine. Also used as a
term to describe a medicine given to enhance another medicine,
B
19
HIV/AIDS Glossary
suchNasNuse8gNreto8aferN(]Tc)NasNaNboosterNwethNotherNP*s.
Branched-Chain DNA (bDNA) Assay
A test that measures a person’s viral load (level of HIV RNA in the
blood) to identify HIV infection and to monitor disease progression
a8dNtreatme8tNeffectefe8ess.N]esultsNareNreportedNasNtheN8umberNof
H*cN]NANcopeesNperNmelleleterNofNblood.NbDNANassayNesNa8Nalter8atefe
to measuring viral load by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain
reacteo8N(]TSPC]).
See Also:
]eferseNTra8screptaseSPolymeraseNChae8N]eacteo8N(]TSPC])
Viral Load (VL)
BRM
See:
BeologecalN]espo8seNModefeer
Bronchoscopy
Visual examination of the bronchial passages of the lungs using
an endoscope (a curved, flexible tube containing fibers that carry
light down the tube and project an enlarged image of the bronchial
passages onto a viewing screen). Can also be used for extraction of
material from the lungs.
Budding
The final step in the HIV life cycle, in which an individual virus pushes
out (or “buds”) from the host cell, steals part of the cell’s outer
envelope, and frees itself to attach to and infect another host cell.
Buffalo Hump
See:
Dorsocervical Fat Pad
See Also:
Body Habitus Changes
Burkitt’s Lymphoma
Also known as small, noncleaved-cell lymphoma. A type of non-
Hodgkin’s lymphoma. There are three types of Burkitt’s lymphoma,
one type occurs in people with weakened immune systems, such
as those with AIDS.
See Also:
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
C
20
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Cachexia
Loss of weight, muscle wasting, fatigue, weakness, and decrease
of appetite in someone who is not actively trying to lose weight.
Usually associated with serious disease.
CAM
See:
Compleme8taryNa8dNAlter8atefeNMedece8e
Candidiasis
Infection caused by a species of the yeast-like fungus
Candida
,
usually
C. albicans
. Candidiasis can affect the skin; nails; and
mucous membranes throughout the body, including the mouth
(thrush), esophagus, vagina, intestines, and lungs. The infection
appears as white patches when in the mouth or any other mucous
membrane. Candidiasis is considered an AIDS-defining condition in
people with HIV.
Cardiomyopathy
A condition that weakens the heart muscle or causes a change
in heart muscle structure. Cardiomyopathy is associated with
inadequate heart pumping or other heart function abnormalities.
Cardiomyopathy may occur in HIV-infected people with advanced
disease. Irregular heartbeat, abnormal heart and breath sounds,
decreased heart function, or heart enlargement may indicate
cardiomyopathy.
CARE Act
See:
]ya8NWheteNCA]&NAct
CBC
See:
Complete Blood Count
CBO
See:
Community-Based Organization
CCR5
Chemoke8eNreceptorN5N(CC]5)NesNaNprotee8No8NtheNsurfaceNofNsome
C
21
HIV/AIDS Glossary
immune system cells. It is one of two coreceptors that HIV can use
alo8gNwethNtheNCD4NreceptorNtoNbe8dNtoNa8dNe8terNhostNcells.N(The
otherNcoreceptorNesNCXC]4.)
See Also:
Coreceptor
CXC]4
CD4N]eceptor
CC]5N]eceptorNBlocker
CCR5 Receptor Blocker
ClassNofNa8teSH*cNdrugNthatNstopsNH*cNfromNbe8de8gNtoNtheNCC]5
coreceptor, a receptor that most strains of HIV need to enter cells.
WethoutNtheNabeletyNtoNbe8dNtoNCC]5RNH*cNe8tryNesNhalted.
See Also:
CC]5
Coreceptor
CD4 Cell
AlsoNk8ow8NasNhelperNTNcellNorNCD4Nlymphocyte.NANtypeNofNe8fecteo8S
feghte8gNwheteNbloodNcellNthatNcarreesNtheNCD4NreceptorNo8NetsNsurface.
CD4NcellsNcoorde8ateNtheNemmu8eNrespo8seRNwhechNseg8alsNother
cells in the immune system to perform their special functions. The
8umberNofNCD4NcellsNe8NaNsampleNofNbloodNesNa8Ne8decatorNofNthe
healthNofNtheNemmu8eNsystem.NH*cNe8fectsNa8dNkellsNCD4NcellsRNwhech
leads to a weakened immune system.
See Also:
CD4NCellNCou8t
CD4N]eceptor
CD4 Cell Count
ANmeasureme8tNofNtheN8umberNofNCD4NcellsNe8NaNsampleNofNblood.
TheNCD4Ncou8tNesNo8eNofNtheNmostNusefulNe8decatorsNofNtheNhealthNof
theNemmu8eNsystemNa8dNtheNprogresseo8NofNH*cTA*DS.NANCD4Ncell
count is used by health care providers to determine when to begin,
interrupt, or halt anti-HIV therapy; when to give preventive treatment
for opportunistic infections; and to measure response to treatment.
AN8ormalNCD4NcellNcou8tNesNbetwee8N500Na8dNUR400NcellsTmm
3
of blood, but an individual’s CD4 count can vary. In HIV-infected
e8defedualsRNaNCD4Ncou8tNatNorNbelowN200NcellsTmmNesNco8sedered
3
an AIDS-defining condition.
See Also:
CD4NCell
C
22
HIV/AIDS Glossary
CD4 Percentage
TheNperce8tNofNlymphocytesN(wheteNbloodNcells)NthatNareNCD4Ncells.
This measurement is less likely to vary in between blood tests than
CD4Ncou8tRNbutNCD4Ncou8tNremae8sNaNmoreNreleableNmeasureNof
emmu8eNfu8cteo8Ntha8NCD4Nperce8tageNforNmostNpeople.
See Also:
CD4NCellNCou8t
CD4NCell
CD4 Receptor
ANspecefecNmoleculeNprese8tNo8NtheNsurfaceNofNaNCD4Ncell.NH*c
recog8ezesNa8dNbe8dsNtoNaNCD4NreceptorNa8dNaNcoreceptorNtoNgae8
entry into a host cell.
See Also:
CD4NCell
Coreceptor
CD8 Cell
Also called a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), killer T cell, or
suppressor T cell. A type of white blood cell that is able to identify
and kill cells infected with bacteria, viruses, or other foreign invaders.
CDC
See:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDCINFO
A service sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) to provide referrals, education, and information
about topics including HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs), immunizations, and disease outbreaks. The
CDC*NFONhotle8eN8umberNesNUSX00SCDC*NFON(232S4V3V).
C
23
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Cell-Mediated Immunity
Immune protection provided by the direct action of immune cells.
With this type of immune protection, the response to infectious
micro-organisms is performed by specific cells–such as CD8
cells, macrophages, and other white blood cells–rather than by
antibodies. The main role of cell-mediated immunity is to fight
viral infections.
See Also:
Macrophage
Antibody
*mmu8eN]espo8se
Cellular Immunity
See:
CellSMedeatedN*mmu8ety
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) that is charged with protecting the health and safety of
citizens at home and abroad. The CDC serves as the national
focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control,
environmental health, and health promotion and education activities
designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.
http://www.cdc.gov
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Previously known as the Health Care Financing Administration
(HCFA). An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
SerfecesN(HHS)Nrespo8sebleNforNadme8estere8gNMedecareRNMedecaedR
State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Clinical
Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), and other health-
related programs.
C
24
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The part of the nervous system made up of the brain, spinal
cord, and spinal nerves. These serve as the main processing
center for the whole nervous system and together control all the
workings of the body. HIV can infect and damage parts of the
central nervous system.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
A clear, colorless fluid that fills the spaces in the brain and the central
canal of the spinal cord as well as the spaces between nerve cells.
Cervical Cancer
A condition in which a cancerous growth (also called a malignancy)
develops on the lower portion of the uterus (cervix).
See Also:
Cervical Dysplasia
Pap Smear
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Cervical Dysplasia
The abnormal growth of cervical cells, usually with no symptoms. It
can be detected by a Pap smear, and treatment can prevent it from
progressing to cervical cancer.
See Also:
Cervical Cancer
Pap Smear
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN)
A general term for the growth of abnormal cells on the surface of
theNcerfe5.NNumbersNfromNUNtoN3NmayNbeNusedNtoNdescrebeNhow
much of the cervix contains abnormal cells.
See Also:
Cervical Dysplasia
Cervix
The lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the
uterus and vagina.
C
25
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Chancroid
A sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterium called
Hemophilus ducreyi
. Often causes swollen lymph nodes and painful
sores on the penis, vagina, or anus. The lesions appear after an
e8cubateo8NpereodNofN3NtoN5NdaysNa8dNmayNfaceletateNH*cNtra8smesseo8.
Chemical Barrier
A mechanism that uses chemicals to try to prevent sexually
tra8smettedNe8fecteo8sN(ST*s)RNe8clude8gNH*cNe8fecteo8.NMecrobecedes
are currently being studied as chemical barriers to prevent the
transmission of STIs.
See Also:
Mecrobecede
Chemokines
Proteins that serve as chemical messengers to control the activities
of the immune system. Chemokines are involved in a wide variety
of processes, including the control of infectious diseases, cancers,
and inflammation. Chemokines include interferons, interleukins, and
many other small proteins.
Chemoprevention
Also known as chemoprophylaxis. The use of natural or man-made
agents to help reduce the risk of or delay the development or
recurrence of a disease, such as cancer.
Chemoprophylaxis
See:
Chemoprevention
Chemotherapy
Treatment with anticancer drugs that kill or prevent the growth and
division of cells. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through
the body killing mostly cancer cells, but some healthy cells may be
killed as well.
C
26
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Chlamydia
A sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterium
called
Chlamydia trachomatis
. The bacteria infect the genital tract
and, if left untreated, can cause damage to the female and male
reproductive systems, resulting in infertility.
Cholesterol
A fat-like substance used as a building block for cells. Cholesterol is
both made by the liver and absorbed from food and is carried in the
blood. When blood cholesterol levels are too high (hyperlipidemia),
some of the cholesterol is deposited on the walls of the blood
vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis.
Use of PIs may also increase cholesterol levels.
See Also:
Hyperlipidemia
Chronic Idiopathic Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIPD)
Chronic, spontaneous loss or destruction of myelin, a white fatty
material that protects and insulates nerve cells. People with CIPD
show progressive, usually symmetrical weakness in the arms
and legs. CIPD can be one of the symptoms of lactic acidosis or
progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
See Also:
Lactic Acidosis
ProgressefeNMultefocalNbeukoe8cephalopathyN(PMb)
CIN
See:
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
CIPD
See:
Chronic Idiopathic Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
CIPRA
See:
Comprehe8sefeN*8ter8ateo8alNProgramNofN]esearchNo8NA*DS
Clade
A group of organisms that are genetically similar and descended
from a single parent organism. With HIV, the term clade refers to a
groupNofNspecefecNH*cSUNstrae8sNwethe8Na8NH*cNsubtype.NForNe5ampleR
C
27
HIV/AIDS Glossary
H*cSUNsubtypeNMNco8tae8sNcladesNANthroughNHRNJRNa8dNK.NCladesNB
and C account for the majority of HIV infections around the world.
See Also:
Subtype
Class-Sparing Regimen
An anti-HIV drug regimen that purposefully does not include one
or more classes of anti-HIV drugs. A class-sparing regimen may
be prescribed to save certain classes of drugs for later use or to
avoid side effects specific to a class. For example, a PI-sparing
regimen would not include any PIs. Because some PIs may cause
an increase in cholesterol in the blood, a PI-sparing regimen might
be prescribed for an HIV-infected person who already has high
cholesterol levels.
Clinical Alert
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) publishes these electronic
bulletins containing urgent early results of clinical trials. The data in
these bulletins warn about possible morbidity (sickness rates) and
mortality (death rates) in participants involved in the clinical trials.
Clinical Endpoint
A measurement used in clinical trials to evaluate the effect of the
treatment being tested. Examples of clinical endpoints for HIV
disease include death, serious drug toxicity, or development of an
AIDS-defining illness. Because these endpoints may be difficult to
measure without long-term follow-up, surrogate (substitute) short-
termNe8dpoe8tsRNsuchNasNaNcha8geNe8NferalNloadNorNCD4Ncou8tRNmay
also be used as clinical endpoints.
See Also:
Clinical Trial
Clinical Failure
The occurrence or recurrence of HIV-related infections or a decline
in physical health despite taking an HIV treatment regimen for a
me8emumNofN3Nmo8ths.NCle8ecalNfaelureNmayNoccurNasNaNresultNof
virologic or immunologic failure.
See Also:
Virologic Failure
Immunologic Failure
C
28
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Clinical Practice Guidelines
]ecomme8dateo8sNbyNpa8elsNofNe5pertNhealthNcareNpracteteo8ers
designed to assist clinicians and patients in making decisions about
appropriate health care for specific diseases and conditions.
Clinical Progression
A term for the overall progression of a disease as measured by
deterioration of clinical outcomes. In an HIV-infected person, clinical
progression may be defined as the occurrence or recurrence of
H*cSrelatedNefe8tsN(afterNatNleastN3Nmo8thsNo8Na8Na8teretroferal
regimen), excluding immune reconstitution syndromes. HIV-infected
patee8tsNwhoNhafeNaNCD4NTScellNcou8tNlessNtha8NU00NcellsTmmNare
3
considered to have a high likelihood of clinical progression.
Clinical Trial
A research study that uses human volunteers to answer specific
health questions. Carefully conducted clinical trials are regarded
as the fastest and safest way to find effective treatments for
diseases and conditions as well as other ways to improve health.
Interventional trials use controlled conditions to determine whether
experimental treatments or new ways of using known treatments
are safe and effective. Observational trials gather information about
health issues from groups of people in their natural settings. Clinical
trials may be prospective (studying data from a time point forward)
or retrospective (studying data from collected records in the past).
ClinicalTrials.gov
An online, searchable database of information about clinical trials
sponsored by governments, pharmaceutical companies, and other
organizations. This database is managed by the National Institutes
ofNHealthN(N*H)NthroughNetsNNateo8alNbebraryNofNMedece8eN(NbM).
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
See Also:
Clinical Trial
C
29
HIV/AIDS Glossary
CMAX
Also called maximum concentration. The maximum (peak) amount
of drug measurable in the blood after a dose is administered.
See Also:
CM*N
CMIN
Also called minimum concentration. The lowest (trough) amount of
drug measurable in the blood after a dose is administered.
See Also:
CMAX
CMS
See:
Ce8tersNforNMedecareNa8dNMedecaedNSerfeces
CMV
See
: Cytomegalovirus
CMV Retinitis
See:
CytomegaloferusN]ete8etes
CNS
See:
Central Nervous System
Coccidioidomycosis
Also called desert fever, San Joaquin Valley fever, or valley fever.
An infectious disease caused by the inhalation of spores of
Coccidioides immitis
. The disease is especially common in hot,
dry regions of the Southwestern United States and Central and
South America. It is an AIDS-defining condition in people with HIV.
See Also:
AIDS-Defining Condition
Cognitive Impairment
Loss of the ability to process, learn, and remember information.
The progression of HIV disease may lead to cognitive impairment.
See Also:
AIDS Dementia Complex
C
30
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Cohort
A group of individuals who are alike in some way. For example,
the people in a cohort of HIV-infected individuals are all infected
with HIV.
Coinfection
Infection with more than one virus, bacterium, or other micro-
organism at a given time. For example, an HIV-infected individual
may be coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) or tuberculosis (TB).
Colitis
Inflammation of the colon (large intestine). This may lead to intestinal
bleeding, ulcers, or perforations (holes) in the colon.
Combination Therapy
Two or more drugs used together to achieve optimal results in
controlling HIV infection. Combination therapy has proven more
effective in decreasing viral load than monotherapy (single-drug
therapy), which is no longer recommended for the treatment of HIV.
A8Ne5ampleNofNcombe8ateo8NtherapyNesNtheNuseNofNtwoNN]T*sNplusNa
P*NorNa8NNN]T*.
Community-Based Organization (CBO)
A service organization that provides social services to local clients.
CBOs include nonprofit organizations and free clinics targeted at
helping people with HIV.
Community Programs for Clinical Research on AIDS (CPCRA)
Also known as the Terry Beirn Community Programs for Clinical
]esearchNo8NA*DS.NAN8etworkNofNcle8ecalNresearchNu8etsNcomposed
of community-based health care providers. CPCRA’s aim is to
serve populations under-represented in previous clinical trials.
CPC]ANesNfu8dedNbyNtheNNateo8alN*8stetuteNofNAllergyNa8dN*8fecteous
Diseases (NIAID).
C
31
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Comorbid Condition
Any disease or condition that occurs at the same time as another
disease or condition. The second disease may worsen or be
worsened by the initial disease. For example, tuberculosis (TB) may
occur as a comorbid condition in an individual infected with HIV, and
the HIV infection may worsen the TB.
Compassionate Use
General term used to describe any program that provides an
experimental therapy outside of clinical trials to patients who do
not have any FDA-approved treatment options (for example,
HIV-infected individuals who have extensive drug resistance to
approved anti-HIV drugs). To enroll in compassionate use programs,
an individual has to meet strict medical criteria.
See Also:
Expanded Access
Investigational Drug
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Health care practices not currently considered part of conventional
medicine. A therapy is called complementary when it is used in
addition to conventional treatments. It is called alternative when
etNesNusedNe8steadNofNco8fe8teo8alNtreatme8t.NCAMNe8cludesNa
broad range of healing therapies, approaches, and systems.
SomeNe5amplesNofNCAMNareNacupu8ctureRNherbsRNhomeopathyR
chiropractic, hypnosis, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A general blood test that measures the levels of white and red blood
cells, platelets, hematocrit, and hemoglobin in a sample of blood.
Changes in the amounts of each of these may indicate infection,
anemia, or other health problems.
C
32
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Comprehensive International Program of Research on AIDS (CIPRA)
A program administered by the National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to support research and development of
practical, affordable, and acceptable methods to prevent and treat
HIV/AIDS in resource-poor countries.
Concentration
The relative amount of a substance, such as an administered drug
or a circulating enzyme, found in a particular location, such as the
blood or a specific organ. For example, drug concentrations are often
reported as the amount of drug in a measured sample of blood.
See Also:
CM*N
CMAX
Condyloma Acuminatum
See:
Genital Warts
Contagious
Easily passable between people through normal day-to-day
contact. For example, chicken pox is both an infectious (causing
infection) and a contagious disease. In contrast, HIV is an example
of an infectious disease that is not a contagious disease (i.e., it
cannot be passed from person to person through casual contact).
Contraindication
A specific situation in which a particular treatment should NOT be
used, because it may be harmful to the patient. For example, some
anti-HIV drugs are primarily broken down by the liver and should not
be given to people who have liver damage.
Controlled Trial
A control is a standard against which experimental treatments may
be compared and evaluated for safety and effectiveness. In clinical
trials, one group of patients may be given an experimental drug,
while another group (the control group) is given either a standard
treatment for the disease or a placebo.
See Also:
Placebo
C
33
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Core
The inner protective coat of protein that surrounds the genetic
material of most viruses. In HIV, the core is mostly made up of the
p24 protein, which surrounds two copies of HIV’s genetic material.
Coreceptor
A protein on the surface of a cell that serves as a second binding
site for a virus or other molecule. Although the CD4 protein is HIV’s
premaryNreceptorRNtheNferusNmustNalsoNbe8dNtoNeetherNtheNCC]5Nor
CXC]4NcoreceptorNtoNgetNe8toNaNhostNcell.
See Also:
CC]5
CXC]4
CD4N]eceptor
CPCRA
See:
Commu8etyNProgramsNforNCle8ecalN]esearchNo8NA*DS
Creatinine
A protein found in muscles and blood and excreted by the kidneys
into the urine. The level of creatinine in the blood or urine provides
a measure of kidney function. Increased levels of creatinine indicate
abnormal or impaired kidney function.
Cross Resistance
Cross resistance occurs when a micro-organism has changed,
or mutated, in such a way that it loses its susceptibility to multiple
drugsNsemulta8eously.NForNe5ampleRNH*cNresesta8ceNtoNo8eNNN]T*
drugNusuallyNproducesNresesta8ceNtoNtheNe8tereNNN]T*NdrugNclass.
See Also:
DrugN]esesta8ce
No8SNucleosedeN]eferseNTra8screptaseN*8hebetorN(NN]T*)
Mutateo8
Cross Sensitivity
A drug reaction that may occur again with the use of a different, but
related, drug. Cross sensitivity can occur within a drug class, such
asNwhe8NaNperso8NreactsNtoNallNNN]T*sNsemelarlyNafterNtreatme8tNweth
C
34
HIV/AIDS Glossary
just one. Cross sensitivity can also occur among chemically similar
drug classes. For example, a person who has a negative side effect
to a sulfa-based antibiotic is at risk for the same negative side effect
if he or she takes any other sulfa-based drug.
Cryotherapy
The use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy a lesion or growth
to prevent further spread of the growth. In people with HIV, it is used
to treat lesions caused by Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) and condyloma
acuminatum (genital warts).
See Also:
Genital Warts
Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS)
Cryptococcal Meningitis
A life-threatening infection of the membranes surrounding the
brain and the spinal cord caused by the fungus
Cryptococcus
neoformans
.
Symptoms include headache, dizziness, stiff neck,
and–ifuntreated–comaanddeath.Immunocompromisedindividuals,
such as those with HIV, are more susceptible to this infection. It is
considered an AIDS-defining condition in people with HIV.
Cryptococcosis
An infection caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans.
This fungus typically enters the body through the lungs and usually
spreads to the brain, causing cryptococcal meningitis. In some
cases, it can also affect the skin, skeletal system, and urinary tract.
It is considered an AIDS-defining condition in people with HIV.
See Also:
CryptococcalNMe8e8getes
Cryptosporidiosis
A diarrheal disease caused by the protozoa
Cryptosporidium
.
Symptoms include abdominal cramps and severe chronic diarrhea.
It is considered an AIDS-defining condition in people with HIV.
See Also:
Cryptosporidium
C
35
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Cryptosporidium
The protozoan that causes cryptosporidiosis. It is found in the
intestines of animals and may be transmitted to humans by direct
contact with an infected animal, by eating contaminated food, or by
drinking contaminated water.
See Also:
Cryptosporidiosis
CSF
See:
Cerebrospinal Fluid
CTL
See:
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte
Cutaneous
Of, relating to, or affecting the skin.
CXCR4
Chemoke8eNreceptorN4N(CXC]4RNalsoNk8ow8NasNfuse8)NesNaNprotee8
on the surface of some immune system cells. It is one of two
coreceptorsNthatNH*cNca8NuseNalo8gNwethNtheNCD4NreceptorNtoNbe8d
toNa8dNe8terNhostNcells.N(TheNotherNcoreceptorNesNCC]5.)
See Also:
Coreceptor
CD4N]eceptor
CC]5
CYP450
See:
CytochromeNP450
Cytochrome P450 (CYP450)
A system of enzymes, located primarily in the liver, that participates
e8NtheNbreakdow8NofNdrugs.NMa8yNdrugsNe8hebetNorNe8ha8ceNthe
actefetyNofNtheseNe8zymes.NA8yNcha8geNe8NCYP450Ne8zymeNactefety
may cause an increase or decrease in blood levels of drugs that are
broken down through this system.
See Also:
Drug Interaction
C
36
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Cytokine
A protein produced by white blood cells that acts as a chemical
messenger between cells. Cytokines can stimulate or inhibit growth
or activity of immune cells and are essential for a coordinated immune
response. Cytokines include the interleukins and the interferons.
See Also:
*8terleuke8N(*bS2RN*bSW)
Interferon (IFN)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
A herpesvirus that can cause infections, including pneumonia
(infection of the lungs), gastroenteritis (infection of the
gastrointestinal tract), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain),
or retinitis (infection of the eye), in immunosuppressed people.
AlthoughNCMcNca8Ne8fectNmostNorga8sNofNtheNbodyRNH*cSe8fected
peopleNareNmostNsusceptebleNtoNCMcNrete8etes.
See Also:
CytomegaloferusN]ete8etes
Herpesviruses
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
A8Ne8fecteousNeyeNdeseaseNcausedNbyNcytomegaloferusN(CMc).NPeople
wethNCMcNrete8etesNca8NloseNtheerNfeseo8RNa8dNCMcNrete8etesNesNtheNmost
common cause of blindness among people infected with HIV.
See Also:
CytomegaloferusN(CMc)
Cytopenia
A condition in which the production of one or more kind of blood
cells is greatly reduced or stops completely. Some drugs used to
treat HIV or cancer may cause cytopenia.
Cytotoxic
Toxic or destructive to cells. For example, cancer chemotherapy
is cytotoxic, because it destroys both cancerous and
noncancerous cells.
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL)
See:
CD8 Cell
D
37
HIV/AIDS Glossary
DAART
See:
Directly Administered Antiretroviral Therapy
DAIDS
See:
Division of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB)
An independent committee of community representatives and
clinical research experts who review data while a clinical trial is
in progress to ensure that participants are not exposed to undue
resk.NANDSMBNmayNrecomme8dNthatNaNtrealNbeNstoppedNefNthereNare
safety concerns or if the trial objectives have been achieved, or the
DSMBNca8Nre–uereNcha8gesNtoNtheNstudyNdeseg8NtoNe8sureNsafetyNof
participants.
Dementia
See:
AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC)
Dendritic Cell
A type of antigen-presenting cell that picks up foreign substances
from the bloodstream and presents them to other parts of the
immune system, which activates an immune response against the
foreign invader.
See Also:
Antigen-Presenting Cell (APC)
Antigen
Dendritic Cell Vaccine
Vaccine made of antigens and dendritic antigen-presenting cells.
Dendritic cell vaccines are being studied as possible therapeutic HIV
vaccines to treat HIV-infected people.
See Also:
Therapeutic HIV Vaccine
Dendritic Cell
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
Chemical structure that contains the genetic instructions for
reproduction and protein synthesis for all cells and for many viruses.
D
38
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
The U.S. government’s principal agency for protecting the health
of all Americans and for providing essential human services. HHS
e8cludesNmoreNtha8N300NprogramsNthatNcoferNaNwedeNspectrum
ofNactefetees.NMoreNtha8N300NprogramsNareNadme8esteredNbyNUU
operating divisions, including the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the
National Institutes of Health (NIH). HHS works closely with state and
local governments, and many HHS-funded services are provided at
the local level by state or county agencies or through private-sector
grantees. http://www.hhs.gov/
Desensitization
A gradual increase in the dose of a medicine to avoid severe side
effects. Desensitization procedures are sometimes used when
administering some anti-HIV drugs and antibiotics.
DEXA
See:
DualN&8ergyNXS]ayNAbsorpteometryNSca8
Diabetes
Also known as diabetes mellitus. A disease characterized by high
levels of sugar in the blood (hyperglycemia). It can be caused by too
little insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate blood
sugar), resistance to insulin, or both. Some anti-HIV drugs may
cause or worsen diabetes.
See Also:
Hyperglycemia
*8sule8N]esesta8ce
Diarrhea
Uncontrolled, loose, watery, and frequent bowel movements caused
by diet, infection, drug, or irritation or inflammation of the intestine.
Severe or long-lasting diarrhea can lead to weight loss and
malnutrition. The most common infectious organisms that cause
H*cSrelatedNdearrheaNe8cludeNcytomegaloferusN(CMc);NtheNparasetes
Cryptosporidium
,
Microsporidia
, and
Giardia
; and the bacteria
Mycobacterium avium
and
Mycobacterium intracellulare
. Bacteria
D
39
HIV/AIDS Glossary
and parasites that cause diarrheal symptoms in otherwise healthy
people may cause more severe, prolonged, or recurrent diarrhea
in people with HIV or AIDS.
Directly Administered Antiretroviral Therapy (DAART)
MethodNofNe8sure8gNthatNaNperso8NtakesNa8teSH*cNdrugsNas
prescrebed.NDAA]TNre–ueresNthatNaNcaregeferNderectlyNobserfeNthe
patient ingest the anti-HIV drugs to increase adherence to the
treatment plan.
See Also:
Adherence
Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)
Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)
A treatment strategy to ensure adherence, in which a health care
provider or other observer watches a patient take each dose of a
drug. This strategy is used with diseases like tuberculosis (TB) and
HIV infection, in which adherence is important for effective treatment
and to prevent emergence of drug resistance.
See Also:
Adherence
Discordant Couple
A pair of long-term sexual partners in which one person is
infected with a sexually transmitted infection (such as HIV) and
the other is not.
Disseminated
Widely dispersed across the entire body. In immunocompromised
people, such as those with AIDS, coinfections (e.g., cryptococcosis,
histoplasmosis,
Mycobacterium avium
complex, etc.) may become
disseminated and spread through the bloodstream to infect lymph
nodes, bone marrow, liver, spleen, spinal fluid, lungs, and the
intestinal tract.
Division of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (DAIDS)
A division of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH’s) National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). DAIDS was
formedNe8NUYXVNtoNaddressNtheN8ateo8alNresearchN8eedsNcreated
D
40
HIV/AIDS Glossary
by the HIV/AIDS epidemic; to increase basic knowledge of the
pathogenesis, natural history, and transmission of HIV disease;
and to support research to promote HIV detection, treatment, and
prevention.
See Also:
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
DNA
See:
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
Dorsocervical Fat Pad
A type of lipodystrophy (a problem in the way the body produces,
uses, and distributes fat) in which fatty tissue builds up on the upper
back and neck. It most often occurs in HIV-infected people as a
resultNofNP*NorNN]T*NdrugNtreatme8t.NThesNfatNbueldupRNalsoNk8ow8Nas
buffalo hump, may be associated with other metabolic side effects,
such as high insulin levels.
See Also:
Lipodystrophy
Body Habitus Changes
Dosage
The scheduled administration of individual drug doses, usually
expressed as a quantity per unit of time. For example, a prescribed
drugNdosageNmayNbeN200NmgNperNdayN(butNtheNe8defedualNdoseNcould
beNU00NmgNe8NtheNmor8e8gNa8dNU00NmgNe8NtheNefe8e8g).
Dose
The measured amount of a therapeutic agent that is taken at
one time, or the total amount taken during one time period. For
e5ampleRNaNse8gleNdoseNofNU00NmgNmayNbeNtake8NatNo8eNtemeRNor
aNtotalNdoseNofNUR000NmgNmayNbeNtake8Ndure8gNo8eN5Sday
treatment period.
See Also:
Dosage
Dose-Ranging Study
Clinical trial in which different doses of a drug are tested to
determine which is the safest and most effective. Before drugs are
D
41
HIV/AIDS Glossary
approved by the FDA, they must go through Phase I and II dose-
ranging studies.
See Also:
Clinical Trial
Phase I Trial
Phase II Trial
Dose-Response Relationship
The relationship between the dose of a drug and its corresponding
effect on the body. If a drug exhibits a dose-response effect, it
means that as the dose increases, so does the effect.
DOT
See:
Directly Observed Therapy
Double-Blind Study
A clinical trial design in which neither the participants nor the
study staff know which individuals are receiving the experimental
treatment and which are receiving a placebo (or another control
therapy). Double-blind trials produce more objective results,
because the expectations of the study staff and the participants do
not affect the outcome.
See Also:
Controlled Trial
DRESS
See:
DrugN]ashNwethN&ose8opheleaNa8dNSystemecNSymptoms
Drug Antagonism
An interaction between two or more drugs in which one drug blocks
or reverses the effect of another drug.
Drug Class
A group of drugs that share common properties, such as
mechanisms of action.
Drug Concentration
See:
Concentration
D
42
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Drug-Drug Interaction
A change in the way a drug works when it is taken along with
another drug. The effect may be an increase or a decrease in
the action of either drug, or it may be a side effect that does not
normally occur with either drug alone.
See Also:
Drug Interaction
Drug Formulation
See:
Formulation
Drug Holiday
See:
Structured Treatment Interruption (STI)
Drug Interaction
An effect that can occur when one drug is taken with another drug
or when a drug is taken with particular foods. Possible effects
include changes in absorption from the digestive tract, changes in
the rate of the drug’s breakdown in the liver, new or increased side
effects, or changes in the drug’s activity.
See Also:
Drug-Drug Interaction
Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)
A rare but life-threatening allergic drug reaction that sometimes
occursNe8NpeopleNtake8gNcertae8NNN]T*s.NSymptomsNe8cludeNsefere
rash along with fever, blood abnormalities, and organ inflammation.
Drug Resistance
The ability of some micro-organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and
parasites, to adapt so that they can multiply even in the presence of
drugs that would normally kill them.
Drug Toxicity
See:
Toxicity
DSMB
See:
DataNa8dNSafetyNMo8etore8gNBoard
D
43
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan
A painless test that uses low energy x-rays to measure the
mineral content of bones. DEXA scans are commonly used to
test for osteopenia or osteoporosis and are also used to evaluate
lipodystropy.
See Also:
Osteopenia
Osteoporosis
Lipodystrophy
Dyslipidemia
Abnormal levels of fat in the blood, usually referring to abnormally
high levels. Dyslipidemia may occur as a result of HIV infection or as
a side effect of some anti-HIV drugs.
See Also:
Hyperlipidemia
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing.
E
44
HIV/AIDS Glossary
EBV
See:
Epstein-Barr Virus
EF
See:
Eosinophilic Folliculitis
Effectiveness
The measure of the success of a treatment for a particular disease
or condition.
Efficacy
The ability of a treatment to produce the desired effect on the
disease or condition being treated.
ELISA
See:
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Encephalitis
Inflammation of the brain, which can be caused by a virus infection.
The brain tissue swells, which may lead to the destruction of nerve
cells, bleeding within the brain, and brain damage.
Endemic
A term that refers to diseases associated with particular geographic
regions or populations. For example, malaria is endemic in tropical
regions of the world where mosquitoes carry the parasite that
causes malaria.
Endpoint
General term for a measurement used to analyze results of a clinical
trial. Common endpoints of a clinical trial are dose-limiting toxicity
of a study drug and progression of the disease or condition being
studied.
See Also:
Surrogate Endpoint
Clinical Endpoint
E
45
HIV/AIDS Glossary
End-Stage Disease
The final period or phase in the course of a disease that leads to
a person’s death. An example of this is end-stage renal disease
(ESRD), in which a person’s kidneys have deteriorated to the point
that the damage is life threatening and likely fatal.
Enteric
Of or relating to the intestines. This term also refers to a coating
used on some drugs to prevent the breakdown of the drug by the
stomach before it has a chance to be absorbed by the intestines.
Enteritis
Inflammation of the small intestine caused by bacterial or viral
infection. Often causes diarrhea and dehydration and may also
involve the stomach and large intestine.
See Also:
Colitis
Entry Inhibitor
A class of anti-HIV drugs designed to disrupt the ability of HIV
to enter a host cell through the cell’s surface. This class includes
receptorNe8hebetorsN(CD4RNCC]5RNorNCXC]4)Na8dNfuseo8Ne8hebetors.
See Also:
Fusion Inhibitor
Envelope
The outer protective membrane of HIV that is composed of two
layers of fat-like molecules called lipids. HIV uses specific proteins
embedded in the envelope to attach to and enter host cells.
Enzyme
A protein that helps a chemical reaction happen by decreasing
the energy needed for the reaction to occur.
E
46
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
A highly sensitive laboratory test used to determine the presence of
antibodies to HIV in the blood or saliva. Positive ELISA test results
indicate that a person is HIV infected, but these results should be
confirmed with a highly specific laboratory test called a Western blot.
See Also:
Western Blot
Antibody
Eosinophilia
A condition in which the number of eosinophils (a type of white
blood cell) in the blood is higher than normal. Eosinophilia is often
a response to infection or allergens (substances that cause an
allergic reaction).
Eosinophilic Folliculitis (EF)
A type of folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) characterized by
recurring patches of inflamed, pus-filled sores that occur primarily
on the face and sometimes on the back or upper arms. The sores
usually spread, may itch intensely, and often leave areas of darker-
than-normal skin (hyperpigmentation) when they heal. HIV-associated
&FNmostNcommo8lyNoccursNe8NpeopleNwethNlowNCD4Ncou8ts.
Epidemic
A disease that has spread rapidly through a segment of the human
population in a given geographic area.
Epidemiology
The branch of medical science that studies the occurrence,
distribution, and control of a disease in populations.
Epithelium
The protective covering of the internal and external organs of the
body, including the lining of blood vessels, body cavities, glands,
and organs. In addition to its protective properties, the epithelium
also provides a surface to absorb and secrete chemicals needed by
the body.
E
47
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Epitope
A particular segment of an antigen that the body’s antibodies can
recognize and bind to.
See Also:
Antibody
Antigen
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
A human herpesvirus that causes infectious mononucleosis (mono),
a contagious disease. Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis
are fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. EBV infection
can also lead to oral hairy leukoplakia, Burkitt’s lymphoma, and
nasopharyngeal carcinoma, especially in immunocompromised
people, such as those with HIV.
See Also:
Burkitt’s Lymphoma
Human Herpesviruses
Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (OHL)
Eradication
In terms of an infectious disease, the complete removal of a
pathogen (such as HIV). Although eradication of HIV is currently not
possible, antiretroviral treatment can control the disease through the
suppression of viral load.
See Also:
Viral Load (VL)
Erythema
Abnormal redness of the skin caused by a buildup of red blood cells
in the capillaries.
Erythema Multiforme
A type of rash that can occur in response to drugs, illness, or
infections, such as herpes simplex or mycoplasma infections.
Severe forms of this condition include Stevens-Johnson syndrome
(SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These may also be
serious side effects of some anti-HIV drugs.
See Also:
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
E
48
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Erythrocyte
]edNbloodNcell.NTheNpremaryNfu8cteo8NofNerythrocytesNesNtoNcarry
oxygen throughout the body.
Etiology
The branch of medical science that studies causes of disease. Such
causes are called etiologic agents. For example, HIV is the etiologic
agent of AIDS.
Exclusion/Inclusion Criteria
See:
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria
Expanded Access
]efersNtoNa8yNofNtheNFoodNa8dNDrugNAdme8estrateo8N(FDA)
procedures that allow distribution of experimental drugs to people
who are failing currently available treatments and are unable to
participate in ongoing clinical trials. These procedures include
compassionate, treatment, or emergency use.
See Also:
Compassionate Use
Experimental Drug
See:
Investigational Drug
Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (XDR-TB)
A relatively rare type of tuberculosis that is resistant to almost all
anti-tuberculosis drugs, including the two best first-line drugs
a8dNtheNbestNseco8dSle8eNdrugs.NXD]STBNesNofNspecealNco8cer8Nfor
people infected with HIV or other conditions that can weaken the
immune system.
F
49
HIV/AIDS Glossary
False Negative
A test or procedure result that incorrectly indicates a negative or
normal result when an abnormal condition is actually present.
False Positive
A test or procedure result that incorrectly indicates a positive or
abnormal result when no abnormal condition is actually present.
Fanconi Syndrome
A disorder of the kidney in which certain substances that are
normally absorbed into the bloodstream by the kidneys are released
into the urine instead. Fanconi syndrome can be caused by faulty
genes, or it may result later in life as a result of kidney damage. It is
a relatively uncommon adverse effect of some antiretroviral drugs.
Fat Maldistribution/Redistribution
See:
Lipodystrophy
FDA
See:
Food and Drug Administration
FDC
See:
Follicular Dendritic Cell
First-Line Regimen
The recommended treatment plan and drugs used when treating a
person for the first time.
Fixed-Dose Combination
A capsule or tablet that contains two or more drugs. This type of
drug formulation allows a patient to take multiple drugs at one time
to decrease pill burden and increase adherence.
See Also:
Pill Burden
Formulation
F
50
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Follicular Dendritic Cell (FDC)
A specific type of dendritic cell found in lymphoid tissues, such as
the thymus and lymph nodes.
See Also:
Dendritic Cell
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agency
responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of drugs,
biologics, vaccines, and medical devices. The FDA also works with
the blood banking industry to safeguard the nation’s blood supply.
Formulation
The physical form in which a drug is administered. Examples
include tablets, capsules, liquids, topical creams and ointments,
and injectable solutions. A single drug may be available in
multiple formulations.
Fungus
A group of primitive organisms that includes mushrooms,
yeasts, rusts, and molds, some of which can infect humans
and cause disease. For example, mouth thrush is caused by
the fungus
Candida
.
Fusin
See:
CXC]4
Fusion Inhibitor
A class of anti-HIV drugs that inhibits the fusing of HIV’s outer
envelope with the host cell membrane, which prevents infection
of the cell.
See Also:
Envelope
G
51
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Gamma Globulin
The part of blood that contains antibodies. It is also available
as an injectable treatment that can provide temporary protection
from certain infections.
See Also:
Antibody
Passive Immunotherapy
GART
See:
Genotypic Assay
Gastrointestinal (GI)
Of or relating to the stomach or intestines.
G-CSF
See:
Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor
Gene
ANshortNsegme8tNofNDNANorN]NANthatNactsNasNaNbluepre8tNfor
building a specific protein.
See Also:
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
]ebo8ucleecNAcedN(]NA)
Generic
A generic drug is one that has the same active ingredient(s) as
a brand-name drug in dosage, safety, strength, how it is taken,
quality, performance, and intended use.
Gene Therapy
An experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease.
This technique may eventually allow doctors to treat a disorder by
inserting a gene into a patient’s cells instead of using drugs or surgery.
See Also:
Gene
Genetic Engineering
Artificially changing an organism’s genetic material (DNA or RNA) to
change particular characteristics of that organism. This laboratory
technique can produce proteins for use as drugs and vaccines.
G
52
HIV/AIDS Glossary
For example, a virus such as canarypox virus (which does not
cause disease in humans) can be genetically engineered so that it
produces specific HIV proteins. The modified canarypox virus can
then be tested as an experimental HIV vaccine.
Genital Ulcer Disease
Sores on the genitals, usually caused by a sexually transmitted
disease (STD), such as herpes, syphilis, or chancroid. The presence
of genital ulcers may increase the risk of becoming infected with HIV
through sexual intercourse.
Genital Warts
Also known as condyloma acuminatum and venereal warts.
Growths or bumps that appear in and around the vagina, anus, or
cervix in females or on the penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh in males.
They can be raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large. Some
cluster together to form a cauliflower-like shape. They are caused
by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are usually flesh-colored
and painless.
See Also:
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Genitourinary Tract
Also called genitourinary system, urogenital system, or urogenital
tract. The organs involved in the production and excretion of urine
and in reproduction.
Genome
The complete set of genes for a particular organism.
See Also:
Gene
Genotypic Antiretroviral Resistance Test (GART)
See:
Genotypic Assay
Genotypic Assay
AlsoNk8ow8NasNGe8otypecNA8teretroferalN]esesta8ceNTestN(GA]T).NA
test that determines if HIV is resistant to particular anti-HIV drugs.
The test analyzes a sample of the virus from an individual’s blood to
G
53
HIV/AIDS Glossary
identify any genetic mutations that are associated with resistance to
specific drugs.
See Also:
DrugN]esesta8ce
Mutateo8
GI
See:
Gastrointestinal
Glycoprotein
A substance composed of both a protein and a carbohydrate (a
sugar molecule) joined together by a chemical linkage.
GM-CSF
See:
Gra8ulocyteNMacrophageSColo8yNStemulate8gNFactor
Gonorrhea
A sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
.NMa8yNpeopleNwethNgo8orrheaNhafeN8o
symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include burning on
urination, frequent urination, yellow or green discharge from the
genitals, redness or swelling of the genitals, or a burning or itching
sensation of the genitals. Active gonorrhea infection may increase
the risk of becoming infected with HIV through sexual intercourse.
gp120
Glycoprotee8NU20.NO8eNofNtheNprotee8sNembeddedNe8NtheNouter
e8felopeNofNH*c.NgpU20NprojectsNfromNtheNsurfaceNofNH*cNa8dNbe8ds
toNtheNCD4NreceptorNo8NCD4NcellsRNwhechNe8eteatesNtheNprocessNby
which HIV enters and infects a host cell.
See Also:
Envelope
gp160
Glycoprotee8NUV0.NANprecursorNofNH*cNe8felopeNprotee8sNgp4UNa8d
gpU20.NgpUV0NesNcutNbyNH*cNproteaseNtoNformNgpU20Na8dNgp4U.
See Also:
gpU20
gp4U
Protease
G
54
HIV/AIDS Glossary
gp41
Glycoprotee8N4U.NO8eNofNtheNprotee8sNembeddedNe8NtheNouter
envelope of HIV. gp41 plays a key role in HIV’s infection of CD4 cells
by fusing HIV’s envelope with the host cell membrane, which allows
the virus to enter the cell.
See Also:
Envelope
Fusion Inhibitor
Granulocyte
A type of white blood cell particularly important in fighting bacterial
infections.
Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF)
A protein that stimulates the production of infection-fighting white
blood cells. A laboratory-made version of G-CSF, called filgrastim,
is used to treat low white blood cell levels, which may occur after
chemotherapy or as a result of certain diseases.
Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF)
A protein that stimulates the production of infection-fighting
wheteNbloodNcells.NANlaboratorySmadeNferseo8NofNGMSCSFRNcalled
sargramostim, is used to treat low white blood cell levels, which
may occur after chemotherapy or as a result of certain diseases.
Granulocytopenia
A lower than normal number of specific white blood cells called
granulocytes.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
A rare disorder that causes the immune system to attack the
peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS connects the brain
and spinal cord with the rest of the body. Damage to these nerves
makes it hard for them to transmit signals. As a result, muscles have
trouble responding to the brain.
HAART
See:
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
H
55
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Half-Life
The time period in which the concentration of a drug falls to half its
original concentration.
HBV
See:
Hepatitis B Virus
HCFA
See:
Health Care Financing Administration
HCV
See:
Hepatitis C Virus
Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA)
See:
Ce8tersNforNMedecareNa8dNMedecaedNSerfecesN(CMS)
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agency
that directs national health programs aimed at improving the health
of Americans by assuring quality health care to underserved,
vulnerable, and special-needs populations. Among other functions,
H]SANadme8estersNtheN]ya8NWheteNComprehe8sefeNA*DSN]esources
&merge8cyN(CA]&)NActNa8dNtheNA*DSN&ducateo8Na8dNTrae8e8g
Centers (AETCs) to provide treatment and services for those
affected by HIV/AIDS.
See Also:
AIDS Education and Training Centers (AETCs)
]ya8NWheteNCA]&NAct
HELLP Syndrome
A term that stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzyme levels,
and a Low Platelet count. This is a rare but serious complication
that can develop in the third trimester of pregnancy. Symptoms
may include liver, blood pressure, and bleeding problems that can
harm both the mother and the baby. Pregnant women taking
N]T*sNforNH*cNe8fecteo8NareNatNa8Ne8creasedNreskNforNdefelope8g
HELLP syndrome.
H
56
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Helper T Cell
See:
CD4NCell
Hematocrit
A laboratory measurement that determines the percentage of
red blood cells in a sample of blood. In women, red blood cells
areN8ormallyN3W%NtoN4W%NofNtheNblood.N*8Nme8RNredNbloodNcells
areN8ormallyN40%NtoN54%NofNtheNblood.
Hematotoxic
Toxic or destructive to the blood or bone marrow.
Hemoglobin
A protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to
the tissues of the body.
Hemolysis
]uptureNofNredNbloodNcellNmembra8esRNwhechNcausesNaNreleaseNof
hemoglobin.
See Also:
Hemoglobin
Hemophilia
A hereditary blood defect that occurs almost exclusively in males
and is characterized by delayed clotting of the blood. This leads to
difficulty in controlling bleeding, even after minor injuries.
Hepatic
Pertaining to the liver.
Hepatic Necrosis
Death of liver cells.
See Also:
Hepatotoxicity
Hepatic Steatosis
Accumulation of too much fat inside liver cells. Also known as
fatty liver.
See Also:
Lactic Acidosis
H
57
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver. This condition can lead to liver damage
and liver cancer.
See Also:
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
Coinfection
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
The virus that causes hepatitis B, an inflammation of the liver that
can lead to liver damage and liver cancer. HBV is spread through
contact with the blood of an infected person, through sexual
intercourse, or from mother to child during childbirth. A vaccine is
available to prevent infection with this virus, and hepatitis B can be
treated with several drugs.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
The virus that causes hepatitis C, an inflammation of the liver that
can lead to liver damage and liver cancer. HCV is primarily spread
through contact with the blood of an infected person. There is no
vaccine for HCV, and the only current treatment for hepatitis C is a
combination of the drugs peginterferon and ribavirin.
Hepatomegaly
Enlargement of the liver.
Hepatotoxicity
A general term for liver damage. Often caused by drugs, including
those used to treat HIV infection. Symptoms of hepatotoxicity
include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea,
unusual tiredness or weakness, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and
eyes), and unusual swelling or weight gain. Laboratory testing may
show increased levels of liver enzymes in the blood.
See Also:
Liver Function Tests
H
58
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1)
A virus that causes cold sores or fever blisters on the mouth or
around the eyes and that can be transmitted to the genital region.
The virus can become latent (inactive), and symptoms disappear.
Stress, trauma, other infections, or suppression of the immune
system can reactivate the latent virus, and symptoms can return.
See Also:
Herpesviruses
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2)
A virus that causes painful sores around the anus or genitals. The
virus can become latent (inactive), and symptoms then disappear
u8telNtheNferusNesNreactefated.NHScS2NmayNbeNtra8smettedNeether
sexually or from an infected mother to her infant during birth.
Herpesviruses
A family of viruses that includes several individual members,
e8clude8gNherpesNsemple5NferusesNUNa8dN2N(HScSUNa8dNS2)R
cytomegaloferusN(CMc)RNfarecellaNzosterNferusN(cZc)RN&pstee8SBarr
virus (EBV), and Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV or HHV-8).
Each of these viruses can cause disease in humans.
Herpes Zoster
See:
carecellaNZosterNcerusN(cZc)
HGH
See:
Human Growth Hormone
HHS
See:
Department of Health and Human Services
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART)
The name given to treatment regimens that aggressively suppress
H*cNreplecateo8Na8dNprogresseo8NofNH*cNdesease.NTheNusualNHAA]T
regimen combines three or more anti-HIV drugs from at least two
different classes.
H
59
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Histoplasmosis
A lung disease caused by the fungus
Histoplasma capsulatum
.
Symptoms are similar to those of influenza. People with severely
damaged immune systems, such as those with AIDS, are
vulnerable to a very serious form of the disease called progressive
disseminated histoplasmosis. This form of histoplasmosis typically
lasts a long time and involves organs other than the lungs.
Histoplasmosis is considered an AIDS-defining condition in people
with HIV.
HIV
See:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HIV-1
The HIV type responsible for the majority of HIV infections
worldwide.
See Also:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
H*cS2
HIV-2
ANferusNthatNesNcloselyNrelatedNtoNH*cSUNa8dNthatNalsoNcausesNemmu8e
suppression and AIDS. Although the two viruses are very similar,
immunodeficiency seems to develop more slowly and to be
melderNe8NpeopleNe8fectedNwethNH*cS2.NTheNmajoretyNofNH*cS2Ncases
hafeNbee8Nfou8dNe8NWestNAfreca.NNotNallNdrugsNusedNtoNtreatNH*cSU
e8fecteo8NareNeffectefeNagae8stNH*cS2.
See Also:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
H*cSU
HIV-Associated Adult-Onset Nemaline Myopathy
See:
Nemale8eN]odNMyopathyN(NM)
HIV Decay
See:
Viral Decay
H
60
HIV/AIDS Glossary
HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN)
A worldwide clinical trials network established by the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop and evaluate the safety and
efficacy of nonvaccine HIV interventions designed to prevent the
transmission of HIV.
HIV RNA
See:
Viral Load (VL)
HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN)
An international group of scientists and educators that was formed
e8NUYYYNbyNtheNDefeseo8NofNA*DSN(DA*DS)NofNtheNNateo8alN*8stetuteNof
Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The main goal of HVTN is
to find a safe and effective preventive HIV vaccine. HVTN staff and
volunteers around the world are also involved in helping community
members understand the general science of HIV/AIDS vaccines,
research methods, and clinical trials processes.
See Also:
Preventive HIV Vaccine
HLA-B*5701
See:
Human Leukocyte Antigen
HLA-B Testing
See:
Human Leukocyte Antigen
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
A type of cancer that affects certain white blood cells. Symptoms
include enlarged lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and
etche8g.NThesNtypeNofNca8cerNmostNcommo8lyNaffectsNpeopleNagesNU5
toN40RNpeopleNolderNtha8N55RNa8dNpeopleNwhoNareNH*cNe8fected.N*tNes
also known as Hodgkin’s disease.
See Also:
Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
Horizontal Transmission
A term used to describe transmission of a disease from one
individual to another, except from parent to offspring. For example,
H
61
HIV/AIDS Glossary
HIV can be spread horizontally through sexual contact or exposure
to infected blood. In contrast, spread of disease from parent to
offspring is called vertical transmission.
See Also:
Vertical Transmission
Hormone
A chemical produced in one part of the body and passed through
the blood to another part of the body to regulate its structure
or function. HIV infection and AIDS can affect the production of
hormones and cause imbalances in hormones, such as estrogen
and testosterone.
HPTN
See:
HIV Prevention Trials Network
HPV
See:
Human Papillomavirus
HRSA
See:
HealthN]esourcesNa8dNSerfecesNAdme8estrateo8
HSV-1
See:
HerpesNSemple5NcerusNU
HSV-2
See:
HerpesNSemple5NcerusN2
HTLV-I
See:
Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type I
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
A protein produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates the liver to
produce somatomedins (substances that stimulate growth of bone
and muscle). A laboratory-made version of HGH, called serostim,
has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a
treatment for AIDS wasting syndrome.
See Also:
Wasting Syndrome
H
62
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Human Herpesviruses
See:
Herpesviruses
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
The virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
HIV is in the retrovirus family, and two types have been identified:
H*cSUNa8dNH*cS2.NH*cSUNesNrespo8sebleNforNmostNH*cNe8fecteo8s
throughouttheworldRwhereasH*cS2esfou8dpremarelye8WestAfreca.
See Also:
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
]etroferus
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)
AlsoNk8ow8NasNmajorNhestocompatebeletyNcomple5N(MHC).NFou8d
on the surface of almost every cell in the body, HLAs are proteins
that play an important role in controlling the immune system by
identifying substances as foreign to the body. The type of HLA
proteins a person inherits from his or her parents is important in
identifying good matches for tissue grafts and organ transplants.
Variants of an HLA protein may be expressed in some individuals,
and these variations may increase the risk of developing certain
diseases or experiencing certain drug reactions. For example, some
HLA types are associated with either a faster or slower progression
ofNH*cNdesease.N*8Naddeteo8RNe5presseo8NofNtheNHbASBP5W0UNfarea8tNes
associated with hypersensitivity to abacavir, an anti-HIV drug.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
A virus that causes various warts, including plantar and genital
warts. Some strains of HPV can also cause cervical cancer.
See Also:
Cervical Cancer
Genital Warts
Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type I (HTLV-I)
ANferusNe8NtheNsameNfamelyN(retroferus)NasNH*c.N*8NrareNcasesRNHTbcSU
can cause adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, a rare and aggressive
ca8cerNofNtheNblood.NPeopleNe8fectedNwethNHTbcSUNmayNalsoNdefelop
myelopathy, a disease of the spinal cord.
See Also:
]etroferus
H
63
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Humoral Immune Response
See:
Humoral Immunity
See Also:
CellSMedeatedN*mmu8ety
Humoral Immunity
Term used to describe the body’s antibody-based immune
response, as opposed to its cell-based immune response
(cell-mediated immunity). Immune cells called B cells produce
antibodies against foreign invaders.
See Also:
Antibody
CellSMedeatedN*mmu8ety
B Lymphocyte
HVTN
See:
HIV Vaccine Trials Network
Hyperadiposity
See:
Lipohypertrophy
Hypergammaglobulinemia
Higher than normal amounts of gamma globulins (antibodies)
in the blood.
See Also:
Antibody
Hyperglycemia
Higher than normal glucose (sugar) levels in the blood.
See Also:
Diabetes
Hyperlipidemia
Elevated concentration of lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, or both)
in the blood. Hyperlipidemia increases the risk of serious heart
diseases. In HIV-infected individuals, hyperlipidemia may occur as a
side effect of PI treatment.
Hyperplasia
An abnormal increase in the number of cells in a tissue or an organ.
H
64
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Hypersensitivity
An exaggerated or excessive response to a specific agent (such as a
drug or antigen) that can sometimes be life-threatening or cause death.
Hypersensitivity Reaction
See:
Hypersensitivity
Hypertension
Also known as high blood pressure. Hypertension is a condition
in which the force of blood being pumped through blood vessels
exerts too much pressure on the walls of blood vessels. When
pressure increases and stays too high, it can cause damage to
blood vessels (e.g., hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis),
the heart, the brain, the eyes, and other vital organs.
Hypertriglyceridemia
Elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood. Hypertriglyceridemia
can increase the risk of serious heart disease. This condition may
occur as a side effect of protease inhibitor treatment.
See also:
Triglycerides
Hyperlipidemia
Hypogammaglobulinemia
A deficiency of gamma globulins (antibodies) in the blood.
This condition may occur in late stages of HIV disease, when
the immune system has been severely damaged.
See Also:
Antibody
Hypogonadism
Inadequate activity of the ovaries or testes. This can result
in abnormally low levels of gonadal hormones (androgens
and estrogens) and problems with sperm or egg production.
Hypogonadism may occur in men and women with HIV.
Hypoxia
A condition in which not enough oxygen reaches the tissues of
the body.
I
65
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Idiopathic
Without a known cause.
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP)
A rare autoimmune disorder characterized by a shortage of platelets
in the blood, which results in bruising and spontaneous bleeding.
See Also:
Platelet
IDU
See:
Injection Drug User
IFN
See:
Interferon
IG
See:
Immunoglobulin
IHS
See:
Indian Health Service
IL-2
See:
*8terleuke8S2
IL-7
See:
*8terleuke8SW
IM
See:
Intramuscular
IMPAACT
See:
*8ter8ateo8alNMater8alNPedeatrecNAdolesce8tNA*DSNCle8ecal
Trials Network
Immune Complex
Term used to describe an antibody bound to an antigen.
See Also:
Antibody
Antigen
I
66
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Immune Reconstitution Syndrome (IRS)
AlsoNk8ow8NasNemmu8eNrestorateo8NdeseaseN(*]D)NorNemmu8e
reco8stetuteo8Ne8flammatoryNsy8dromeN(*]*S).NA8Ne8flammatory
reaction that can occur when an immunocompromised person’s
immune system improves, such as when a person with HIV disease
bege8sNa8teSH*cNtreatme8tNa8dNe5peree8cesNa8Ne8creaseNe8NCD4
cell count. Fever, along with swelling, redness, or discharge at the
site of an injury or infection, may signal that an infection that was
previously unnoticed by a weak immune system is now a target of
a stronger immune system. Although IRS indicates that a person’s
immune system has grown healthier, it can be a serious, sometimes
fatal condition and must be treated aggressively.
Immune Response
The body’s defensive reaction to a foreign invader, such as a virus,
bacterium, or fungus. The immune response includes both humoral
(antibody-based) and cell-mediated immunity.
See Also:
CellSMedeatedN*mmu8ety
Humoral Immunity
Immune System
The collection of cells and organs whose role is to protect the body
from foreign invaders. Includes the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, B
and T cells, and antigen-presenting cells.
Immunity
Protection against or resistance to disease.
Immunization
See:
Vaccination
Immunocompetent
Able to mount a normal immune response.
Immunocompromised
Unable to mount a normal immune response because of an
impaired immune system.
I
67
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Immunodeficiency
Inability to produce normal amounts of antibodies, immune cells,
or both.
Immunogenicity
The ability of an antigen or vaccine to stimulate an immune
response.
See Also:
Antigen
Vaccine
Immunoglobulin (IG)
See:
Antibody
Immunologic
]elatedNtoNtheNemmu8eNsystemRNwhechNdefe8dsNtheNbodyNagae8st
infection and disease.
Immunologic Failure
Occurs when an HIV-infected individual’s CD4 count decreases
below the baseline count or does not increase above the baseline
count within the first year of anti-HIV treatment. People who
experience virologic failure but do not switch to an effective drug
regeme8NusuallyNprogressNtoNemmu8ologecNfaelureNwethe8NaboutN3
years. Immunologic failure may be followed by clinical failure.
See Also:
Baseline
Virologic Failure
Clinical Failure
Immunomodulator
A natural or man-made substance that can modify the functioning
of the immune system.
Immunomodulatory Therapy
See:
Immunomodulator
I
68
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Immunosuppression
*8abeletyNofNtheNemmu8eNsystemNtoNfu8cteo8N8ormally.NMayNbe
caused by drugs (for example, chemotherapy) or result from certain
diseases (for example, HIV infection).
Immunotherapy
Treatment to stimulate or restore the body’s immune system to
fight disease.
Incidence
The rate of occurrence of new cases of a particular disease in
a given population. Often reported as the number of cases per
U00R000Npeople.
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria
A specific set of selection rules that determine whether a person is
eligible to enroll in a particular clinical trial. For example, some trials
may not accept people with chronic liver disease or with certain
drug allergies. Others may exclude men or women or only include
peopleNwethNaNcertae8NCD4Ncou8tNorNferalNload.
See Also:
Clinical Trial
Incubation Period
The period between infection with a micro-organism and the
development of symptoms.
See Also:
Window Period
IND
See:
Investigational New Drug (IND) Application
Indian Health Service (IHS)
The agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) responsible for providing Federal health services to
American Indians and Alaska Natives.
I
69
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Infection
Establishment of an infectious micro-organism in a suitable
host. The term is also used to refer to disease caused by an
infectious micro-organism.
Infectious
Capable of causing infection.
Informed Consent
A person’s agreement to participate in a clinical trial after
understanding all aspects of the trial, including potential risks and
benefits.
See Also:
Clinical Trial
infoSIDA
The Spanish-language companion Web site to AIDS
info
, which
offers information on HIV/AIDS treatment and clinical trials.
Infusion
Administration of a solution (such as a glucose, salt, or drug
solution), usually into a vein.
Injection Drug Use
The abuse of drugs by injecting them into a vein. Sharing of
syringes transmits blood-borne viruses (such as HIV, hepatitis),
which can spread rapidly through populations of injection drug
users (IDUs). The sharing of needles and supplies (e.g., syringes,
water, mixing spoon) is thought to be three times more likely to
transmit HIV than sexual intercourse.
Injection Drug User (IDU)
See:
Injection Drug Use
Injection Site Reaction
An adverse effect, such as a rash, on the skin where an injection or
shot was given.
I
70
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Inoculation
See:
Vaccine
INSIGHT
See:
International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
A committee of experts who review and monitor clinical trials to
ensure that they are ethical and that the rights of study participants
are protected. Federal regulations dictate that any institution that
co8ductsNorNsupportsNcle8ecalNtrealsNmustNhafeNa8N*]B.
Insulin
A hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar.
Because of this regulatory activity, insulin plays a role in the
development and control of diabetes mellitus and other conditions
that affect blood sugar levels.
See Also:
Diabetes
Insulin Resistance
An abnormal body response to insulin, a hormone that regulates
glucose (sugar) levels. People with insulin resistance have
abnormally high blood levels of insulin, which may lead to heart and
cholesterol problems and obesity. Insulin resistance may occur in
HIV-infected individuals taking certain PIs.
Insulin Sensitivity
The body’s ability to respond to insulin’s signal to take up glucose
from the blood. Normal insulin sensitivity encompasses a wide
range; people who have low insulin sensitivity may also be
considered insulin resistant, which would result in an increase of
insulin secretion.
I
71
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Integrase
An HIV protein that plays an important role in the virus’s life cycle.
Integrase inserts HIV’s genetic information into the infected cell’s
own DNA.
See Also:
Integration
Integrase Inhibitor
A class of anti-HIV drugs that prevents the HIV integrase protein from
inserting HIV’s genetic information into an infected cell’s own DNA.
See Also:
Integrase
Integration
The process by which HIV integrase inserts HIV’s genetic material
into an infected cell’s own DNA. This crucial step in HIV’s life cycle is
targeted by the class of anti-HIV drugs called integrase inhibitors.
See Also:
Integrase
Integrase Inhibitor
Intensification
Adding additional anti-HIV drugs to an existing treatment
regimen, usually because that regimen failed to adequately
control HIV replication.
Interaction
See:
Drug Interaction
Interferon (IFN)
A cytokine (protein that regulates immune system activity) that the
body produces to fight viruses. Laboratory-made versions of IFN
are used in the treatment of some viral infections and cancers.
There are three main types of interferon: alpha, beta, and gamma.
IFN alpha is used to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and many
cancers, including Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS).
See Also:
Cytokine
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS)
I
72
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Interleukin-2 (IL-2)
A cytokine (protein that regulates immune system activity) that can
increase the production of certain disease-fighting white blood cells.
Dure8gNH*cNe8fecteo8RN*bS2NlefelsNgraduallyNdecle8e.NANlaboratoryS
madeNferseo8NofN*bS2NesNusedNtoNtreatNsomeNca8cersNa8dNhasNbee8
studeedNasNaNwayNtoNe8creaseNtheN8umberNofNCD4NcellsNa8dNother
immune system cells in people with HIV.
See Also:
Cytokine
Interleukin-7 (IL-7)
A cytokine (protein that regulates immune system activity) produced
in small amounts in bone marrow cells that increases the body’s
production of certain disease-fighting white blood cells. Laboratory-
producedN*bSWNesNaNdrugNproductNthatNappearsNtoNe8duceNH*c
replication in latent, or resting, infected cells. Activation of HIV in
resting cells allows antiretroviral drugs to target HIV in those cells.
See Also:
Cytokine
International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials
(IMPAACT) Network
A clinical trials network that evaluates treatments for HIV-infected
children and adolescents and also develops new therapeutic ap-
proachesforprefe8te8gmotherStoScheldtra8smesseo8(MTCT)ofH*c.
International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV
Trials (INSIGHT)
A clinical trials network that evaluates strategies for optimizing
treatment by doing large simple trials in HIV-infected individuals.
Interstitial Nephritis
A kidney disorder caused by inflammation of the small spaces
between parts of the kidney. The condition is a potential side effect
of certain anti-HIV drugs.
Intervention
In medicine, a treatment or action taken to prevent or treat a
disease or to improve health in other ways.
I
73
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Intramuscular (IM)
]elate8gNtoNtheNareaNwethe8NaNmuscle.N*8tramuscularNalsoNrefersNtoNa8
injection made directly into a muscle.
Intrapartum
The time period spanning labor and delivery.
Intravaginal
Within the vagina.
Intravenous (IV)
Inside a vein. Intravenous also refers to an injection made directly
into a vein.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG)
A solution of antibodies taken from healthy donors and injected
into the veins of people with low or abnormal antibody production
to help protect them from infections.
See Also:
Antibody
In Utero
The time period when an unborn baby is in its mother’s uterus.
Investigational Drug
Also known as experimental drug. A drug that has not been
approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat
a particular disease or condition. The safety and effectiveness
of an investigational drug must be tested in clinical trials before
the manufacturer can request FDA approval for a specific use
of the drug.
See Also:
Clinical Trial
Investigational New Drug (IND) Application
I
74
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Investigational New Drug (IND) Application
The process through which data about an experimental drug is
submitted to and reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) before the drug is allowed to be tested in clinical trials.
See Also:
Clinical Trial
New Drug Application (NDA)
Investigational Drug
In Vitro
Latin for “in glass.” Indicates that a research study was conducted
in an artificial environment created outside a living organism (for
example, in a test tube or petri dish).
In Vivo
Latin for “in life.” Indicates that a research study was conducted in a
living organism (animal or human).
IRB
See:
*8stetuteo8alN]efeewNBoard
IRIS
See:
*mmu8eN]eco8stetuteo8NSy8drome
IRS
See:
*mmu8eN]eco8stetuteo8NSy8drome
Isosporiasis
An infection caused by the protozoan
Isospora belli
, which enters the
body through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include diarrhea,
fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and weight loss. Isosporiasis
is considered an AIDS-defining condition in people with HIV.
ITP
See:
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura
IVIG
See:
Intravenous Immunoglobulin
J
75
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, whites of the eyes, and
body fluids. Jaundice is caused by increased levels of bilirubin, and
it is associated with liver and gallbladder disease.
See Also:
Bilirubin
K
76
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS)
A type of cancer caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels,
which causes pink or purple spots or small bumps on the skin.
The condition can also occur inside the body, especially inside the
intestines, lymph nodes, and lungs. When inside the body, KS can
be life threatening. In people infected with HIV, KS is considered
an AIDS-defining condition. A virus called Kaposi’s sarcoma
herpesvirus (KSHV) or human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is associated
with Kaposi’s sarcoma.
See Also:
Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV)
Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV)
Also known as Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). The virus associated
with Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), a type of cancer that is considered an
AIDS-defining condition in people with HIV.
See Also:
Herpesviruses
Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS)
Karnofsky Score
ANscoreNbetwee8N0Na8dNU00Nasseg8edNbyNaNhealthNprofesseo8al
afterNwatche8gNaNpatee8tNperformNcommo8Ntasks.NANscoreNofNU00
means that the patient has normal physical abilities with no signs of
disease. Decreasing numbers mean that the patient has less ability
to perform activities of daily living.
Killer T Cell
See:
CD8 Cell
KS
See:
Kaposi’s Sarcoma
KSHV
See:
Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus
L
77
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Lactic Acidosis
A condition caused by a buildup of lactate, a cellular waste product,
in the blood. Symptoms, if any, may include stomach and breathing
problems and general weakness. Severe, untreated lactic acidosis
can be life threatening. Increased lactate levels, often combined with
hepatecsteatosesRmayoccure8H*cSe8fectede8defedualstake8gN]T*s.
See Also:
Hepatic Steatosis
LAS
See:
Lymphadenopathy Syndrome
Latency
The time period when an infectious organism is in the body but is
not producing any noticeable symptoms. In HIV disease, latency
usually occurs in the early years of infection. Also refers to the
period when HIV has integrated its genome into a cell’s DNA but
has not yet begun to replicate.
Latent HIV Reservoir
A collection of resting cells (such as T cells) in the body that are
infected with HIV. The virus is spread within the body when these
host cells become active.
See Also
: Latency
Latent Period
See:
Latency
Lentivirus
A subgroup of the retrovirus family that includes HIV. Lentiviruses
are characterized by a long time period between infection and the
onset of symptoms (long latent period).
See Also:
]etroferus
Incubation Period
Lesion
An area of the body where tissue is abnormal, such as an infected
patch or sore on the skin.
L
78
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Leukocyte
See:
White Blood Cell
Leukocytosis
An abnormally high number of white blood cells in the blood. This
condition usually occurs during infection or inflammation.
See Also:
White Blood Cell
Leukopenia
A lower than normal number of total white blood cells. A white
bloodNcellNcou8tNlessNtha8N4R000NcellsTmbNesNco8sederedNleukope8ea.
Leukoplakia
See:
Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (OHL)
LGV
See:
Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Life Cycle
A sequence of developmental phases that cells or organisms
undergo. For example, a cell’s life cycle ends with division; a virus’s
life cycle includes replication within a host cell.
Linear Gingival Erythema
Inflammation of the gums that usually appears as a red band
around the gums in the back of the mouth. Also known as HIV
gingivitis or red-band gingivitis.
LIP
See:
Lymphoid Interstitial Pneumonitis
Lipid
Any member of a chemical group of fats or fat-like substances.
Lipid Profile
A group of blood tests that are often ordered together to evaluate
an individual’s risk for heart disease or stroke. These tests include
L
79
HIV/AIDS Glossary
measurements of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol (“good”
cholesterol), LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol), and triglycerides.
See Also:
Cholesterol
Triglycerides
Hyperlipidemia
Lipoatrophy
Loss of body fat from particular areas of the body, especially the
arms, legs, face, and buttocks. Lipoatrophy is a potential side effect
ofNsomeNN]T*s.
Lipodystrophy
A problem with the way the body produces, uses, and distributes
fat. Lipodystrophy is associated with certain anti-HIV drugs. HIV-
related lipodystrophy includes the body changes known as buffalo
hump and protease paunch.
See Also:
Body Habitus Changes
Lipohypertrophy
Lipohypertrophy
Also known as hyperadiposity. Abnormal buildup of fat, particularly
in the breasts, on the back of the neck and upper shoulders (buffalo
hump), deep within the abdomen (protease paunch), or in fatty
growths known as lipomas. Lipohypertrophy may occur with the
useNofNsomeNP*sNa8dNN]T*s.
See Also:
Body Habitus Changes
Lipodystrophy
Liver Function Tests
Blood tests that measure the levels of liver enzymes (proteins made
and used by the liver) to determine if the liver is working properly. The
liver enzymes that are routinely measured as part of liver function
tests are aspartate aminotransferase (AST) – also called serum
glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), alanine aminotransferase
(ALT)–alsocalledserumglutamicpyruvictransaminase(SGPT),
and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). Increased levels of these
enzymes indicate that the liver has been damaged.
See Also:
Hepatotoxicity
L
80
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Localized
A term used to describe a disease or treatment that affects only a
specific or limited part of the body rather than the entire body.
See Also:
Systemic
Log
This mathematical term represents a change in value of what
esNbee8gNmeasuredNbyNaNfactorNofNU0.NCha8gesNe8NferalNloadN(the
amount of HIV in the blood) are often reported as logarithmic
orNlogNcha8ges.NForNe5ampleRNefNtheNferalNloadNesN20R000NcopeesT
mbRNthe8NaNUSlogNe8creaseNe–ualsNaNU0SfoldN(U0Ntemes)Ne8creaseRNor
200R000NcopeesTmb.NAN2SlogNe8creaseNe–ualsNaNU00SfoldNe8creaseRNor
2R000R000NcopeesTmb.
Long-Term Nonprogressors
People who have been infected with HIV for a number of years
(usuallyNatNleastNW)NbutNwhoNhafeNhadNstableNCD4NcellNcou8tsNofNV00
cells/mL or more, no HIV-related diseases, and no need for anti-HIV
therapy.
Lumbar Puncture
See:
Spinal Tap
Lymph
A clear, slightly yellow fluid that carries disease-fighting white blood
cells from the blood to and from body tissues.
Lymphadenopathy Syndrome (LAS)
Swollen, firm, and possibly tender lymph nodes. The causes range
from infection, such as HIV, the flu, or mononucleosis, to lymphoma
(cancer of the lymphoid tissue).
See Also:
Lymph Nodes
L
81
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Lymph Nodes
Very small organs of the immune system that are located
throughout the body. Lymph fluid that bathes body tissues is
filtered through lymph nodes as it carries white blood cells to
and from the blood.
See Also:
Lymph
Lymphadenopathy Syndrome (LAS)
Lymphocyte
A type of infection-fighting white blood cell found in the blood,
lymph, and lymphoid tissue.
Lymphocyte Proliferation Assay
A laboratory test that measures the ability of lymphocytes
(infection-fighting white blood cells) to recognize an antigen and
to make more copies of themselves (proliferate) in response to
the antigen encountered.
See Also:
Antigen
Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)
A sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a species of the
Chlamydia
bacterium. It is characterized by genital lesions and
swelling of lymph nodes in the groin.
See Also:
Chlamydia
Lymphoid Interstitial Pneumonitis (LIP)
A lung disorder that causes hardening of the parts of the lung
that aid in oxygen absorption. The cause of LIP is unknown, and
there is no clear treatment. LIP is an AIDS-defining condition in
HIV-infected children.
Lymphokine
A cytokine (chemical messenger that affects the immune response)
secreted by white blood cells.
See Also:
Cytokine
L
82
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Lymphoma
Cancer of the lymphoid tissues. Some types of lymphomas, such
as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s disease, are associated
with HIV infection.
Lymphopenia
A lower than normal number of lymphocytes, a specific type of
white blood cell.
Lymphoproliferative Response
An immune system response that results in a rapid increase in the
number of white blood cells.
Lysis
The destructive breaking apart of a cell.
M
83
HIV/AIDS Glossary
MAC
See:
Mycobacterium Avium
Complex
Macrophage
A type of disease-fighting white blood cell that destroys foreign
invaders and stimulates other immune system cells to fight infection.
MACS
See:
Multece8terNA*DSNCohortNStudy
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A noninvasive technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves
instead of x-rays to produce three-dimensional computerized
images of the body’s internal tissues and organs.
Maintenance Therapy
Also known as secondary prophylaxis. A treatment to prevent an
infection from coming back after it has been brought under control.
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)
See:
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)
Malabsorption Syndrome
A condition that occurs when the intestines have problems
absorbe8gN8utree8ts.NMalabsorpteo8Nsy8dromeNesNassoceatedNweth
HIV infection and can cause loss of appetite, muscle pain, and
weight loss.
See Also:
Wasting Syndrome
Malaise
A general feeling of discomfort or not feeling well.
Malaria
A disease, more common in areas with warm climates (e.g., South
America, Africa), that is caused by a parasite and transmitted by the
bite of an infected female mosquito. People infected with malaria
hafeNfluSlekeNsymptomsRNmostNcommo8lyNchellsNa8dNfefer.NMore
M
84
HIV/AIDS Glossary
severe symptoms, such as seizures and coma, may also develop.
MalareaNesNharderNtoNprefe8tNa8dNtreatNe8NpeopleNwethNweake8ed
immune systems, such as those infected with HIV.
Malignant
]eferre8gNtoNu8co8trolledNcellNgrowthNthatNmayNspreadNtoNother
tissues, such as in cancer.
Mast Cell
A type of leukocyte.
See Also:
Leukocyte
Maternal-Child Transmission
See:
MotherStoSCheldNTra8smesseo8N(MTCT)
MDR-TB
See:
MultepleNDrugS]esesta8tNTuberculoses
Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS)
A method of measuring drug adherence that uses a computer
chip embedded in a pill bottle lid to record the date and time each
dose is taken. Current obstacles to its use include its large size,
the possibility of malfunction when refrigerated, and inaccurate
reporting when pillboxes are used in place of the original bottle.
See Also:
Adherence
Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)
MedlinePlus
A database of health information developed by the National Library
ofNMedece8eN(NbM).NMedle8ePlusNhasNe8formateo8No8NseferalNhu8dred
diseases and conditions as well as other health information. http://
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
Memory T Cell
A specific type of infection-fighting T cell that can recognize
foreign invaders that were encountered during a prior infection or
vaccination. At a second encounter with the invader, memory T cells
M
85
HIV/AIDS Glossary
can reproduce to mount a faster and stronger immune response
than the first time the immune system responded to the invader.
See Also:
T Cell
MEMS
See:
Medecateo8N&fe8tNMo8etore8gNSystem
Meningitis
Inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain or spinal
cord.NMe8e8getesNca8NbeNcausedNbyNaNbactereumRNfu8gusRNorNferusR
such as HIV.
Messenger RNA (mRNA)
A molecule that carries genetic instructions for building a particular
protein from the cell’s DNA to the place in a cell where proteins are
assembled.NThereRNtheNmesse8gerN]NANserfesNasNaNbluepre8tNforNthe
construction of a specific protein.
See Also:
Translation
Transcription
Metabolic
]elatedNtoNtheNprocessesNofNmetabolesmRNorNtheNchemecalNcha8gesNe8
living things by which substances are built up or broken down.
Metabolic Syndrome
Also known as Syndrome X. A cluster of disorders that affect the
body’s metabolism, including high blood pressure, high insulin
levels, excess body weight, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Some
anti-HIV drugs may cause or worsen these metabolic disorders.
Metabolism
The physical and chemical reactions that produce energy for
theNbody.NMetabolesmNalsoNrefersNtoNtheNbreakdow8NofNdrugsNor
other substances within the body, which may occur during
digestion or elimination.
M
86
HIV/AIDS Glossary
MHC
See:
MajorNHestocompatebeletyNComple5
Microbe
A living organism that can be seen only through a microscope, such
as bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and fungi.
Microbicide
AN8aturalNorNma8SmadeNsubsta8ceNthatNkellsNmecrobes.N]esearchers
are studying the use of microbicides to prevent the transmission of
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV infection.
See Also:
Mecrobe
Microbicide Trials Network (MTN)
A clinical trials network that evaluates the development of
microbicides to reduce the transmission of HIV.
See Also:
Mecrobecede
Microsporidiosis
An infection of the intestines caused by a parasite. The infection can
cause diarrhea and wasting (loss of weight and strength) in people
with HIV.
Mitochondria
]odSlekeNstructuresNthatNproduceNe8ergyNforNaNcell.
Mitochondrial Toxicity
A condition in which mitochondria are damaged. This condition is a
pote8tealNsedeNeffectNofNN]T*sNa8dNca8NcauseNproblemsNe8NtheNheartR
nerves, muscles, pancreas, kidneys, and liver.
See Also:
Metocho8drea
Molluscum Contagiosum
A disease of the skin and mucous membranes caused by a virus.
The condition causes pearly white or flesh-colored bumps on the
face, neck, underarms, hands, and genital region. In people with
M
87
HIV/AIDS Glossary
HIV, molluscum contagiosum can get worse with time and often
becomes resistant to treatment.
Monotherapy
The use of only one drug to treat a disease. For HIV, combination
therapy with three or more active anti-HIV drugs has proven to be
more effective than monotherapy. Combination therapy, also known
asNheghlyNactefeNa8teretroferalNtherapyNorNHAA]TRNesN8owNtheNgold
standard for HIV treatment.
See Also:
HeghlyNActefeNA8teretroferalNTherapyN(HAA]T)
Morbidity
The rate of sickness or disease within a certain population.
Mortality
The death rate, measured as the number of deaths within a certain
population. The measure can apply to death from a particular
disease or condition.
Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT)
The passage of HIV from an HIV-infected mother to her infant. The
infant may become infected while in the womb, during labor and
delivery, or through breastfeeding.
See Also:
Vertical Transmission
MRI
See:
Mag8etecN]eso8a8ceN*mage8g
mRNA
See:
Messe8gerN]NA
MSM
Abbreviation for men who have sex with men.
MTCT
See:
MotherStoSCheldNTra8smesseo8
M
88
HIV/AIDS Glossary
MTN
See:
MecrobecedeNTrealsNNetwork
M-T
ropic Virus
See:
]5STropecNcerus
See Also:
CC]5
Mucocutaneous
]elate8gNtoNmucousNmembra8esNa8dNtheNske8.N&5amplesNof
mucocutaneous areas include the mouth, lips, eyes, vagina, and
anal area.
Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS)
An ongoing study of HIV infection in homosexual and bisexual
men. The study is cofunded by the National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); the National Cancer Institute
(NCI); and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
and is conducted at four clinical centers. Information about the
natural history of HIV disease, the impact of treatment on disease
progression, the role of genetic factors, and other long-term therapy
issues are continually reported from study evaluations.
Multi-Class Antiretroviral Therapy
See:
HeghlyNActefeNA8teretroferalNTherapyN(HAA]T)
Multiple Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
A tuberculosis (TB) infection that does not respond to two or more
sta8dardNa8teSTBNdrugs.NMD]STBNusuallyNoccursNwhe8Ne8ade–uate
or improper treatment allows the bacteria that cause TB to continue
multiplying and become drug resistant.
See Also:
Tuberculosis (TB)
Mutation
A change or adaptation, such as in a virus, that can be passed
dow8NtoNfutureNge8erateo8sNofNferus.NMutateo8sNca8NoccurNo8lyNwhe8
a virus is actively replicating, and not when anti-HIV drugs have
suppressed the viral load to an undetectable level. If HIV replication
M
89
HIV/AIDS Glossary
is not well controlled, an individual’s original HIV strain can adapt
to infect different cell types or resist different anti-HIV drugs.
See Also:
DrugN]esesta8ce
Myalgia
MuscleNpae8NorNte8der8essNthatNspreadsNthroughoutNtheNbody
and is usually accompanied by a general feeling of discomfort
or weakness.
Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC)
An infection caused by two bacteria,
Mycobacterium avium
and
M
.
intracellulare
, found in soil and dust particles. The infection can
be limited to a specific area or can spread throughout the body.
This life-threatening disease is extremely rare in people who are
8otNe8fectedNwethNH*cRNa8dNMACNesNco8sederedNa8NA*DSSdefe8e8g
condition in HIV-infected people.
Mycobacterium Avium-Intracellulare (MAI)
An infection caused by
Mycobacterium intracellulare
, which is
found in soil and dust particles. The infection can be limited to
a specific area or can spread throughout the body. This life-
threatening disease is extremely rare in people who are not
e8fectedNwethNH*cRNa8dNMA*NesNco8sederedNa8NA*DSSdefe8e8gNco8deteo8
in HIV-infected people.
See Also:
AIDS-Defining Condition
Mycobacterium Avium
Comple5N(MAC)
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
The bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB).
See Also:
Tuberculosis (TB)
Mycosis
Any disease caused by a fungus.
Myeloablation
Severe myelosuppression.
See Also:
Myelosuppresseo8
M
90
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Myelosuppression
Decreased bone marrow function that results in reduced production
ofNredNbloodNcellsRNwheteNbloodNcellsRNorNplatelets.NMyelosuppresseo8
is a side effect of certain anti-HIV drugs.
Myopathy
ANdeseaseNofNmuscleNtessue.NMyopathyNmayNbeNcausedNbyNcertae8
anti-HIV drugs or may be a consequence of HIV infection itself.
N
91
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Nadir
The lowest level to which viral load (the amount of HIV in the blood)
falls after a person starts anti-HIV treatment. Also refers to the
lowestNCD4Ncou8tNaNperso8NreachesNdure8gNH*cNe8fecteo8.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
An institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S.
government’s principal agency for cancer research and training.
This institute provides health information and supports programs
focusing on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of
cancer; rehabilitation from cancer; and the continuing care of cancer
patients and the families of cancer patients. http://www.nci.nih.gov
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
An institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that conducts and
funds research to better understand, treat, and prevent infectious,
emmu8ologecRNa8dNallergecNdeseases.Nhttp:TTwww3.8eaed.8eh.gof
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
A multi-institute agency of the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS). NIH conducts research in its own
laboratories and funds research in universities, medical schools,
hospitals, and other research institutions throughout the United
States and abroad. http://www.nih.gov
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
An institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the
world’s largest medical library. NLM collects materials in all areas
of biomedicine and health care and is involved in biomedical
aspects of other fields, such as technology and the social sciences.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov
National Prevention Information Network (NPIN)
A national reference, referral, and distribution service for information
on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and
tuberculosis (TB), sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). http://www.cdcnpin.org
N
92
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Natural History Study
A study designed to investigate the natural development of a
disease or condition over time.
Natural Killer (NK) Cell
A type of white blood cell that is able to kill tumor cells and cells
infected with viruses or other foreign invaders.
NCI
See:
National Cancer Institute
NDA
See:
New Drug Application
Nemaline Rod Myopathy (NM)
A rare disorder in which thread-like rods grow inside muscle cells
and can lead to debilitating muscle weakness. It can develop as a
result of a genetic defect or as a complication of HIV.
Neonatal
TheNtemeNpereodNfromNberthNthroughNtheNferstN4NweeksNafterNberth.
Neoplasm
Also called a tumor. Any new, abnormal growth of tissue.
Neoplasms may be benign (not cancerous) or malignant
(cancerous).
Nephritis
Inflammation of the kidney that can occur as a side effect of some
anti-HIV drugs.
Nephrotoxic
Toxic or destructive to the kidneys.
Neuralgia
Sharp, shooting pain along a nerve pathway.
N
93
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Neuropathy
A disorder that occurs when nerve cells are damaged. Symptoms
range from a tingling sensation or numbness in the toes and fingers
to paralysis. Neuropathy can occur as a result of HIV infection or as
a side effect of certain anti-HIV drugs.
See Also:
Peripheral Neuropathy
Neutropenia
A lower than normal number of neutrophils (a type of white
bloodNcell)Ne8NtheNblood.NModerateNtoNsefereN8eutrope8eaNca8
increase the chance of developing bacterial infections. Neutropenia
may occur as a result of HIV infection or as a side effect of some
anti-HIV drugs.
See Also:
Neutrophil
Neutrophil
A type of white blood cell that can engulf and kill foreign invaders,
such as bacteria.
New Drug Application (NDA)
An application submitted by a drug manufacturer to the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) for a license to market and sell a
particular drug in the United States. The drug manufacturer files an
NDA after information from clinical trials is available for FDA review.
See Also:
Investigational New Drug (IND) Application
NHL
See:
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
NIAID
See:
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
NIH
See:
National Institutes of Health
NK Cell
See:
Natural Killer Cell
N
94
HIV/AIDS Glossary
NLM
See:
Nateo8alNbebraryNofNMedece8e
NNRTI
See:
No8SNucleosedeN]eferseNTra8screptaseN*8hebetor
NNRTI-Sparing Regimen
DrugNcombe8ateo8NthatNometsNtheNuseNofNa8yNNN]T*sNsoNthatNthe
drug class can be saved for use in future treatment.
See Also:
ClassSSpare8gN]egeme8
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
A cancer of the lymphoid tissue that can affect the lymph nodes,
spleen, bone marrow, and other organs of the immune system. This
type of cancer typically develops in people with weakened immune
systems, including organ transplant recipients and people with HIV
or AIDS.
See Also:
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Lymphoma
Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI)
A class of anti-HIV drugs that bind to and disable HIV-1’s reverse
transcriptase enzyme, a protein that HIV needs to make more
copies of itself. Without functional reverse transcriptase, HIV
replecateo8NesNhalted.NCurre8tNNN]T*NdrugsNareNo8lyNeffectefeNagae8st
H*cSUNa8dN8otNagae8stNH*cS2.
See Also:
]eferseNTra8screptaseN(]T)
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
A class of drugs that can reduce inflammation, swelling, stiffness,
and joint pain. They are used to treat arthritis and mild to moderate
pain. Some common NSAIDs are aspirin and ibuprofen.
NPIN
See:
National Prevention Information Network
N
95
HIV/AIDS Glossary
NRTI
See:
NucleosedeN]eferseNTra8screptaseN*8hebetor
NRTI-Sparing Regimen
DrugNcombe8ateo8NthatNometsNtheNuseNofNa8yNN]T*sNsoNthatNtheNdrug
class can be saved for use in future treatment.
See Also:
ClassSSpare8gN]egeme8
NSAID
See:
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
Nucleic Acid
Chemical structure that stores genetic information. There are two
typesNofN8ucleecNacedRNDNANa8dN]NA.NHuma8Nge8etecNe8formateo8Nes
stored as DNA, whereas HIV’s genetic information can be stored as
bothNDNANa8dN]NA.
See Also:
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
]ebo8ucleecNAcedN(]NA)
Nucleic Acid Test
A laboratory test that can detect very small amounts of specific
genetic material in blood, plasma, or other tissue. This test can
detect several types of viruses and is used to screen blood from
blood donors.
Nucleoside
ANprecursorNtoNaNbuelde8gNblockNofNDNANorN]NA.NNucleosedesNmust
be chemically changed into nucleotides before they can be used to
makeNDNANorN]NA.
See Also:
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
]ebo8ucleecNAcedN(]NA)
Nucleotide
Nucleoside Analogue Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI)
A class of anti-HIV drug. Nucleoside analogues are faulty versions
of the building blocks necessary for HIV reproduction. When HIV’s
reverse transcriptase enzyme uses a nucleoside analogue instead of
N
96
HIV/AIDS Glossary
a normal nucleoside, reproduction of the virus’s genetic material is
halted. Also called nucleoside analogues or nukes.
See Also:
Nucleoside
]eferseNTra8screptaseN(]T)
Nucleoside-Associated Resistance Mutation (NAM)
A viral mutation that increases HIV resistance to treatment by
N]T*Ndrugs.
See Also:
Thymede8eNA8alogueNMutateo8N(TAM)
Nucleotide
ANbuelde8gNblockNofNDNANorN]NARNtheNchemecalNstructuresNthat
store genetic information.
See Also:
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
]ebo8ucleecNAcedN(]NA)
Nucleotide Analogue Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NtRTI)
A class of anti-HIV drug. Nucleotide analogues are faulty versions
of the building blocks necessary for HIV reproduction. When HIV’s
reverse transcriptase enzyme uses a nucleotide analogue instead
of a normal nucleotide, reproduction of the virus’s genetic material
is halted. Although technically different from nucleoside analogues,
nucleotide analogues work in the same way. Also called nucleotide
analogues or nukes.
See Also:
Nucleotide
]eferseNTra8screptaseN(]T)
Nucleus
The part of a cell that contains the organism’s genetic information.
Nuke
Slang term for nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase
e8hebetorsN(N]T*s).
See Also:
NucleosedeNA8alogueN]eferseNTra8screptaseN*8hebetorN(N]T*)
NucleotedeNA8alogueN]eferseNTra8screptaseN*8hebetorN(Nt]T*)
O
97
HIV/AIDS Glossary
OAR
See:
OffeceNofNA*DSN]esearch
Observational Study
See:
Clinical Trial
OBT
See:
Optimized Background Therapy
Occupational Exposure
Exposure to potentially infectious material, such as blood, tissue,
body fluids, medical equipment, or supplies, while at work. The
exposure could occur through a needlestick, a cut with an object,
contact with the mucous membrane, or contact with skin that has a
break in it.
Office of AIDS Research (OAR)
The office within the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH’s) National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) responsible for
the scientific, budgetary, legislative, and policy elements of the NIH
HIV/AIDS research program.
Off-Label Use
Prescribed use of a drug for a condition other than one approved by
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or for a patient population
or at a dosage not approved by the FDA.
OHL
See:
Oral Hairy Leukoplakia
OI
See:
Opportunistic Infection
O
98
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Open-Label Trial
A clinical trial in which both the researchers and the participants
know who is getting which drug or vaccine.
See Also:
Double-Blind Study
Opportunistic Infection (OI)
An illness caused by any one of various organisms that occur in
people with weakened immune systems, including people with
HIV/AIDS. OIs that are common in people with AIDS include
Pneumocystis jiroveci
pneumonia (PCP); cryptosporidiosis;
histoplasmosis; toxoplasmosis; other parasitic, viral, and fungal
infections; and some types of cancers.
Optimized Background Therapy (OBT)
The anti-HIV drugs in a treatment regimen that are chosen for an
individual on the basis of resistance testing and treatment history. In
clinical trials, patients often receive either the drug being tested or a
placebo (sugar pill for comparison) in addition to OBT, so that they
do not receive monotherapy or no treatment.
Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (OHL)
A white-colored, hairy, or ribbed patch that appears on the side of
the tongue and inside the cheeks. It develops mainly in people with
weakened immune systems, including people with HIV. It is caused
by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpesvirus family.
See Also:
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
Osteonecrosis
Also referred to as avascular necrosis. A medical condition in which
bone tissue dies. Osteonecrosis affects some people with HIV, but
it is unclear if it develops as a complication of HIV infection or as a
side effect of anti-HIV drugs.
See Also:
Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
O
99
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Osteopenia
A medical condition in which bones lose their minerals and become
less dense, making them weaker and easier to break.
Osteoporosis
Severe loss of bone mass, density, and strength. Although usually
an age-related disorder, osteoporosis may also occur as a result of
HIV infection or as a side effect of anti-HIV drugs.
P
100
HIV/AIDS Glossary
p24
An HIV protein that makes up the virus core that surrounds HIV’s
genetic material.
See Also:
Core
Package Insert
Also known as prescribing information or product label. A document
prepared by the manufacturer of a drug and approved by the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) to describe a drug’s approved uses,
dosages, contraindications, potential side effects, and other relevant
information. This information is inserted inside each manufactured
drug bottle and attached to any promotional or labeling materials.
PACTG
See:
Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group
Palliative Care
MedecalNcareNthatNhelpsNtoNallefeateNsymptomsNofNchro8ecNell8esses
without offering a cure. Palliative care offers therapies to comfort
and support patients with terminal illnesses.
Pancreas
A gland located near the stomach that secretes digestive fluids that
help to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The pancreas
also secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon, which help to
stabilize blood sugar.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas that can cause severe pain.
Laboratory tests that indicate pancreatitis include increased blood
levels of triglycerides and the pancreatic enzyme amylase.
See Also:
Pancreas
Pancytopenia
A lower than normal number of all types of blood cells, including red
and white blood cells and platelets.
P
101
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Pandemic
An outbreak of an infectious disease, such as HIV, that affects
people or animals over an extensive geographic area. Also known
as a global epidemic.
See Also:
Epidemic
Papilloma
A tumor that grows on the skin, such as a wart or polyp. Human
papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus that causes papillomas, including
genital warts.
See Also:
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Genital Warts
Pap Smear
A method for the early detection of cancer and other abnormalities
of the female genital tract. A Pap smear is done by placing a
speculum in the vagina, locating the cervix, and then scraping a thin
layer of cells from the cervix. The cells are placed on a slide, sent to
a laboratory, and analyzed for abnormalities. HIV-infected women
often have abnormal results of Pap smear tests, usually as a result
of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
See Also:
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Cervical Cancer
Parasite
An organism that lives and feeds on or within another living
organism and causes some degree of harm. Immunocompromised
people, such as those infected with HIV, are more likely to develop
parasitic infections, such as
Pneumocystis jiroveci
pneumonia (PCP)
and toxoplasmosis.
Parenteral
Any route of administration, such as for a drug, into the body
other than through the digestive system. For example, through
the veins (intravenous), into the muscles (intramuscular), or through
the skin (subcutaneous).
P
102
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Paresthesia
Abnormal sensations, such as burning, tingling, or a “pins-and-
needles” feeling, that occur without external stimulation. Paresthesia
can occur as a symptom of peripheral neuropathy or as a side
effect of certain anti-HIV drugs.
See Also:
Peripheral Neuropathy
Passive Immunity
The body’s ability to prevent or fight a specific infection after
receiving antibodies from another person. The most common
example of passive immunity is when an infant receives the
mother’s antibodies by consuming her breast milk.
See Also:
Antibody
Passive Immunotherapy
The transfer of antibodies from one person to another to help the
recipient fight infection. An example of passive immunotherapy is
the use of plasma donated by healthy HIV-infected people who
hafeNheghNCD4Ncou8tsNa8dNheghNlefelsNofNa8teSH*cNa8tebodees.
The plasma is administered to people with AIDS who have lost
CD4NcellsNa8dNca8N8oNlo8gerNmakeNtheerNow8Na8tebodees.NPassefe
immunotherapy has been used with limited success in treating
advanced HIV disease in adults, but it is still sometimes used in
HIV-infected children.
See Also:
Passive Immunity
Pathogen
General term for any disease-causing organism.
Pathogenesis
General term for the origin and development of disease.
PBMC
See:
PerepheralNBloodNMo8o8uclearNCell
PCP
See:
Pneumocystis jiroveci
Pneumonia
P
103
HIV/AIDS Glossary
PCR
See:
PolymeraseNChae8N]eacteo8
Peak Concentration
See:
CMAX
Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group (PACTG)
NowNk8ow8NasNtheN*8ter8ateo8alNMater8alNPedeatrecNAdolesce8tNA*DS
Cle8ecalNTrealsN(*MPAACT)NNetwork.NANlargeNcle8ecalNtrealsN8etworkNthat
evaluates treatments for HIV-infected children and adolescents and
that develops new therapeutic approaches for preventing mother-
toScheldNtra8smesseo8N(MTCT)NofNH*c.
See Also:
*8ter8ateo8alNMater8alNPedeatrecNAdolesce8tNA*DS
Cle8ecalNTrealsN(*MPAACT)NNetwork
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
An infection of the upper female genital tract affecting the uterus,
fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It is usually caused by the bacteria
responsible for two common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),
gonorrhea and chlamydia. If left untreated, PID can cause severe pain,
tubal pregnancy, and infertility. Severe cases may even spread to the
liver and kidneys, causing dangerous internal bleeding and death.
People Living with AIDS (PLWA)
Infants, children, adolescents, and adults infected with HIV/AIDS.
PEP
See:
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
PEPFAR
See:
President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
Peptide
A short chain of amino acids that are chemically linked to one
another. Longer chains of amino acids are referred to as polypeptides.
See Also:
Polypeptide
Amino Acid
P
104
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Perianal
Around the anus.
Perinatal
The time period spanning shortly before and after birth.
Perinatal Transmission
See:
MotherStoSCheldNTra8smesseo8
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC)
A general term for white blood cells that contain one nucleus,
particularly lymphocytes and macrophages.
See Also:
Lymphocyte
Macrophage
Peripheral Neuropathy
Condition characterized by sensory loss; pain; muscle weakness;
and wasting of muscle in the hands, legs, or feet. It may start with
burning or tingling sensations or numbness in the toes and fingers.
In severe cases, paralysis may occur. Peripheral neuropathy may
result from HIV infection itself or may be a side effect of certain anti-
H*cNdrugsRNpartecularlyNN]T*s.
See Also:
Neuropathy
Persistent Generalized Lymphadenopathy (PGL)
Chronic and persistent swollen lymph nodes in at least two areas
ofNtheNbodyNforNatNleastN3Nmo8ths.NPGbNoccursNe8NpeopleNweth
persistent bacterial, viral, or fungal infections and in individuals with
weakened immune systems, including people with HIV.
PGL
See:
Persistent Generalized Lymphadenopathy
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HIV/AIDS Glossary
Pharmacokinetics
The interaction of a drug with the body over a period of time.
General pharmacokinetic processes are absorption, distribution,
metabolism, and excretion. These processes are usually measured
through blood and urine samples.
Pharmacology
The branch of medical science that studies the chemistry,
effects, and uses of drugs. Pharmacology includes the study
of a drug’s therapeutic value, toxicology, and interaction with
the body (pharmacokinetics).
See Also:
Pharmacokinetics
Phase I Trial
An initial clinical study of new drugs or other therapies in small
groupsNofNhealthyNfolu8teersRNusuallyN20NtoNX0Npeople.NThesNphase
of clinical trial determines initial drug safety and side effects.
Phase II Trial
An early clinical study that evaluates the safety and effectiveness
of new drugs or other therapies. Phase II trials also help determine
short-term side effects and risks associated with new drugs. This
trealNphaseNusuallyNrecruetsN8oNmoreNtha8NU00NpeopleNaffectedNweth
the disease or condition under study.
Phase III Trial
A clinical study that compares the effectiveness of new drugs to
standard therapies for the disease or condition in question. This
trial phase recruits a large population of people with the disease
or condition being studied, ranging from several hundred to
several thousand volunteers. The results of these trials are used to
evaluate the overall risks and benefits of the drug and to provide the
information needed for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to
consider the drug for approval.
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HIV/AIDS Glossary
Phase IV Trial
A clinical study that occurs after a drug has been approved by
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine long-term
safety and effectiveness. Sometimes referred to as a post-marketing
study. This trial phase recruits the largest population of patients
to gain additional information about the drug’s risks, benefits, and
optimal use.
Phenotypic Assay
A laboratory test that determines by direct experiment whether a
particular strain of HIV is resistant to anti-HIV drugs. This is different
from a genotypic assay, which uses an indirect method to find out
if a particular strain of HIV has specific genetic mutations that are
associated with drug resistance.
See Also:
]esesta8ceNTeste8g
Genotypic Assay
Photosensitivity
Increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight or ultraviolet light.
Photosensitivity commonly causes reddening and blistering of
the skin and in time increases a person’s risk of skin cancer.
Photosensitivity may occur as a side effect of some drugs or as
a result of HIV infection.
PHS
See:
Public Health Service
PI
See:
Protease Inhibitor
PID
See:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pill Burden
The number and schedule of pills taken each day in a particular
anti-HIV drug regimen. A high pill burden may lead to decreased
P
107
HIV/AIDS Glossary
treatment adherence because of the difficulty of taking a large
number of pills properly.
See Also:
Adherence
PI-Sparing Regimen
An anti-HIV drug regimen that does not include a PI.
See Also:
Protease Inhibitor (PI)
ClassSSpare8gN]egeme8
Placebo
Sometimes called a sugar pill. A pill or other treatment that looks
like the treatment being tested in a clinical trial but does not actually
contain the active ingredient. Placebos are used in some clinical
trials to control for what is called the “placebo effect”: an effect
that is caused by the power of suggestion alone. The effects of the
placebo are then compared with the effects of the active ingredient
to determine if the ingredient is truly effective.
See Also:
Placebo Effect
Placebo-Controlled Study
A study that identifies the true effect of a treatment by comparing
results in patients taking the actual treatment to those in patients
taking an inactive look-alike, or placebo, treatment.
See Also:
Placebo Effect
Placebo Effect
A positive or negative response to an inactive treatment (placebo)
caused by a patient’s or researcher’s expectations that a particular
treatment will have an effect.
See Also:
Placebo
Placebo-Controlled Study
Plasma
The clear, liquid part of the blood in which red blood cells, white
blood cells, and platelets are suspended. Plasma contains nutrients,
wastes, salts, gases, and proteins.
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HIV/AIDS Glossary
Platelet
A type of cell in the blood responsible for clotting. When blood
vessels are damaged, platelets help to form a plug that prevents the
loss of blood.
PLWA
See:
People Living With AIDS
PML
See:
ProgressefeNMultefocalNbeukoe8cephalopathy
PMTCT
See:
Prefe8teo8NofNMotherSToSCheldNTra8smesseo8
Pneumocystis jiroveci
A type of fungus that can cause severe pneumonia in humans,
particularly in people with weakened immune systems, and
especially in people with AIDS.
P. jiroveci
is related to
P. carinii
, the
species for which PCP (originally,
P. carinii
pneumonia) is named.
See Also:
Pneumocystis jiroveci
Pneumonia (PCP)
Pneumocystis jiroveci Pneumonia (PCP)
A lung infection caused by
Pneumocystis jiroveci
, a fungus related
to
P. carinii
(the species for which PCP was originally named). PCP
occurs in people with weakened immune systems, such as people
with HIV. It is considered an AIDS-defining condition in HIV-infected
individuals. The first signs of infection are difficulty breathing, high
fever, and dry cough.
See Also:
Pneumocystis jiroveci
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
A laboratory technique that rapidly replicates tiny amounts of
DNA so that it can be detected and measured.
See Also:
]eferseNTra8screptaseSPolymeraseNChae8N]eacteo8
(]TSPC])
P
109
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Polyneuritis
Inflammation of several nerves at the same time.
Polypeptide
A long chain of amino acids that are chemically linked to one
another. Shorter chains of amino acids are referred to as peptides.
See Also:
Amino Acid
Peptide
Polyvalent Vaccine
A vaccine that combines multiple antigens. This type of vaccine may
produce a stronger immune response or may provide protection
from multiple strains of an infectious organism.
See Also:
Antigen
Vaccine
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
Adme8estrateo8NofNa8teSH*cNdrugsNwethe8NW2NhoursNofNaNheghSresk
exposure, including unprotected sex, needle sharing, or occupational
needle stick injury, to help prevent development of HIV infection.
See Also:
Prophylaxis
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Postnatal
The time period following birth (refers to the newborn).
See Also:
Postpartum
Prenatal
Postpartum
The time period after childbirth (refers to the mother).
See Also:
Postnatal
Antepartum
PPD
See:
Purified Protein Derivative
P
110
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Preclinical
]efersNtoNtheNpreleme8aryNteste8gNofNe8festegateo8alNdrugsNe8Nlaboratory
animals that occurs before human testing may begin.
Preconception Counseling
A specific type of health care recommended by the American
College of Obstetrics and Gynecology for all women of childbearing
age prior to pregnancy. Its purpose is to identify risks of pregnancy
and childbirth for both mother and child, to provide education and
counseling targeted to a woman’s individual needs, and to treat or
stabilize medical conditions prior to pregnancy in order to optimize
the mother’s and infant’s health.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
The use of antiretroviral drugs as a preventive measure to
potentially decrease the risk of HIV transmission. Similar to
providing antimalarial drugs to travelers in countries with high
rates of malaria as a preventive measure.
Prenatal
Period of time spanning conception to the beginning of labor.
PrEP
See:
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Prescribing Information
See:
Package Insert
President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)
The U.S. government initiative to combat the global HIV/AIDS
epidemic. PEPFAR’s goal is to work with international, national,
and local leaders worldwide to support integrated HIV prevention,
treatme8tRNa8dNcareNprograms.NP&PFA]NwasNorege8allyNseg8ed
e8toNlawNe8NMayN2003Na8dNreauthorezedNe8NAugustN200X.
http://www.pepfar.gov/
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HIV/AIDS Glossary
Prevalence
The number of people in a population who are affected with a
particular disease or condition at a given time. Prevalence can
be thought of as a snapshot of all existing cases of a disease or
condition at a specified time.
See Also:
Incidence
Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT)
Prevention of the passage of HIV from an HIV-infected mother
to her infant, whether in the womb, during labor and delivery, or
through breastfeeding.
Preventive HIV Vaccine
A vaccine designed to prevent HIV infection in people who are HIV
negative. Preventive HIV vaccines are not designed to treat those
already infected with HIV.
See Also:
Therapeutic HIV Vaccine
Primary HIV Infection
See:
Acute HIV Infection
Primary Isolate
A strain of HIV taken from an infected individual, as opposed to
a strain grown in the laboratory.
Primary Prophylaxis
Treatment to prevent the development of a particular disease.
See Also:
Chemoprevention
Chemoprophylaxis
Prophylaxis
Primary Resistance
Whe8Na8Ne8defedualNesNe8fectedNbyNaNstrae8NofNH*cSUNthatNesNalready
resistant to one or more antiretroviral drugs.
Proctitis
Inflammation of the lining of the rectum.
P
112
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Product Label
See:
Package Insert
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
A rare brain and spinal cord disease caused by a virus and usually
seen only in immunocompromised individuals, such as those
with HIV. Symptoms vary but include loss of muscle control,
paralysis, blindness, speech problems, and an altered mental state.
ThesNdeseaseNofte8NprogressesNrapedlyNa8dNmayNbeNfatal.NPMbNes
considered an AIDS-defining condition in people with HIV.
Prophylaxis
Treatment to prevent the onset of a particular disease or to prevent
recurrence of symptoms of an existing infection that has been
brought under control.
Prospective Study
See:
Clinical Trial
Protease
An enzyme that breaks down long polypeptides into smaller protein
units. HIV’s protease enzyme cuts long chains of HIV polypeptide
into the smaller, active proteins used in HIV replication.
See Also:
Polypeptide
Protease Inhibitor (PI)
A class of anti-HIV drug that prevents replication of HIV by disabling
HIV protease. Without HIV protease, the virus cannot make more
copies of itself.
See Also:
Protease
P
113
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Protein
A highly complex biological molecule consisting of specific
combinations of amino acids linked together by chemical bonds.
Proteins are required for the structure, function, and regulation of
the body’s cells, tissues, and organs. Each protein has a unique
set of functions. Examples of proteins are enzymes; cytokines;
antibodies; and the major components of hair, skin, and muscle.
See Also:
Peptide
Amino Acid
Polypeptide
Protocol
The detailed plan for conducting an experiment, such as a clinical
trial. A clinical trial protocol is a lengthy document that describes
the trial’s rationale, purpose, information about the drug or vaccine
being studied, participant inclusion/exclusion criteria, study
endpoints, and details of the trial design.
See Also:
Clinical Trial
Endpoint
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria
Protozoa
Large, diverse group of unicellular (one-celled) animals. Some
protozoa cause diseases in people with weakened immune
systems, such as people with HIV or AIDS. Protozoa are
responsible for some of the AIDS-defining opportunistic infections,
notably toxoplasmosis and cryptosporidiosis.
Provirus
A DNA version of HIV’s genetic material that has been integrated
into the host cell’s own DNA.
See Also:
Integration
Pruritus
An intense itching sensation that produces the urge to rub or
scratch the skin for relief.
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HIV/AIDS Glossary
Public Health Service (PHS)
An office within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS). The Public Health Service is composed of several agencies,
including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) that oversee different aspects of health
care in the United States. Guidelines for the management of various
diseases, including HIV infection, are released through the PHS.
PubMed
Database and search engine that provides access to citations
forNmoreNtha8NUXNmelleo8NbeomedecalNarteclesNdate8gNbackNtoNthe
UY50s.NTheNdatabaseNesNmae8tae8edNbyNtheNNateo8alNbebraryNof
Medece8eN(NbM).NPubMedNe8cludesNle8ksNtoNfreeNfullSte5tNarteclesR
when available, and also connects users with related resources.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez
Pulmonary
Pertaining to the lungs.
Purified Protein Derivative (PPD)
A substance used in the tuberculin skin test to determine if a person
has been exposed to
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the bacterium
that causes tuberculosis (TB). PPD is usually injected just below
the skin. A hard red bump or a swollen area at the injection site
indicates that the person was exposed to the bacterium. Additional
tests are required to determine if the person has active TB infection.
See Also:
Tuberculin Skin Test
Tuberculosis (TB)
Q
115
HIV/AIDS Glossary
q.d.
Once-a-day dosing instructions.
q.i.d.
Four-times-a-day dosing instructions.
R
116
HIV/AIDS Glossary
R5-Tropic Virus
AlsoNk8ow8NasNMStropecNferus.NANstrae8NofNH*cNthatNusesNthe
chemoke8eNreceptorNCC]5NasNaNcoreceptorNtoNbe8dNtoNa8dNe8fect
huma8Ncells.NH*cNesNusuallyN]5StropecNatNearlyNstagesNofNe8fecteo8RNbut
theNferusNca8NswetchNtoNaNdeffere8tNcoreceptorN(forNe5ampleRNCXC]4)
as the disease progresses.
See Also:
X4STropecNcerus
CC]5
Chemokines
Coreceptor
Randomized Trial
A type of clinical trial in which participants are assigned by chance
to one of two or more treatment or placebo groups. A randomized
trial design helps researchers gather meaningful information and
make valid statistical calculations.
See Also:
Clinical Trial
Placebo
Rapid Test
ANtypeNofNH*cSUNe8zymeSle8kedNemmu8osorbe8tNassayN(&b*SA)Nthat
ca8NdetectNa8tebodeesNtoNH*cNe8NtheNbloodNe8NlessNtha8N30Nme8utes
wethNgreaterNtha8NYY%Nse8setefetyNa8dNspecefecety.NANposetefeNrapedNtest
result should be confirmed by an HIV Western blot test.
See Also:
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Western Blot
Rebound
See:
ceralN]ebou8d
Receptor
A protein on the surface of a cell that serves as a binding site for
substances outside the cell, such as HIV floating free in the blood.
See Also:
Coreceptor
CD4N]eceptor
R
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HIV/AIDS Glossary
Recombinant
Produced by genetic engineering. Also refers to a new organism
or compound produced by inserting the genetic material of one
organism into the genetic material of another organism.
See Also:
Genetic Engineering
Refractory
]efersNtoNaNdeseaseNorNco8deteo8NthatNhasNgotte8Nworse
despite treatment.
Regimen
See:
Treatme8tN]egeme8
Relapse
The return of signs and symptoms of a disease after a patient has
been free of those signs and symptoms.
Remission
The period during which symptoms of a disease diminish or disappear.
In people infected with HIV, effective treatment regimens may result in
the remission of HIV-associated symptoms and conditions.
Renal
Pertaining to the kidneys.
Replication
See:
ceralN]eplecateo8
Rescue Therapy
See:
Salvage Therapy
Reservoir
See:
bate8tNH*cN]eserfoer
Resistance
See:
DrugN]esesta8ce
R
118
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Resistance Testing
Laboratory testing to determine if an individual’s HIV strain is
resistant to any anti-HIV drugs.
See Also:
Genotypic Assay
Phenotypic Assay
DrugN]esesta8ce
Retinal Detachment
Separateo8NofNtheNrete8aNfromNtheNe88erNwallNofNtheNeye.N]ete8al
detachme8tNca8NbeNaNcomplecateo8NofNcytomegaloferusN(CMc)
retinitis and can cause vision loss.
See Also:
CytomegaloferusN]ete8etes
Retinitis
Inflammation of the retina, the thin layer of tissue that lines the
inside back wall of the eye and functions like the film of a camera.
In people with HIV, retinitis can be caused by cytomegalovirus
(CMc).N*fNu8treatedRNrete8etesNca8NleadNtoNble8d8ess.NSymptoms
include floating spots, flashing lights, blind spots, and blurred vision.
See Also:
CytomegaloferusN(CMc)
CytomegaloferusN]ete8etes
Retrospective Study
See:
Clinical Trial
Retrovirus
A type of virus that stores its genetic information in a single-stranded
]NANmoleculeNa8dNco8structsNaNdoubleSstra8dedNDNANferseo8NofNets
genes using a special enzyme called reverse transcriptase. The DNA
copy is then integrated into the host cell’s own genetic material. HIV
is an example of a retrovirus.
See Also:
]eferseNTra8screptaseN(]T)
Integration
Provirus
R
119
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Reverse Transcriptase (RT)
A8Ne8zymeNfou8dNe8NH*cNa8dNotherNretroferuses.N]TNco8fertsNse8gleS
stra8dedNH*cN]NANe8toNdoubleSstra8dedNH*cNDNA.NSomeNa8teSH*c
drugs interfere with this stage of HIV’s life cycle.
See Also:
NucleosedeNA8alogueN]eferseNTra8screptaseN*8hebetorN(N]T*)
NucleotedeNA8alogueN]eferseNTra8screptaseN*8hebetorN(Nt]T*)
No8SNucleosedeN]eferseNTra8screptaseN*8hebetorN(NN]T*)
Provirus
]etroferus
Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
ANlaboratoryNtestNthatNmeasuresNtheNamou8tNofNH*cN]NAN(alsoNk8ow8
as viral load) in a blood sample by replicating HIV’s genetic material
toNmeasurableNlefels.N]TSPC]NesNtheNpremaryNwayNthatNhealthNcare
providers monitor HIV infection and its treatment.
See Also:
PolymeraseNChae8N]eacteo8N(PC])
Viral Load (VL)
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)
Chemical structure that carries genetic instructions for protein
synthesis. Although DNA is the primary genetic material of cells,
]NANesNtheNge8etecNmaterealNforNsomeNferuses.
See Also:
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
Messe8gerN]NAN(m]NA)
RNA
See:
]ebo8ucleecNAced
RT
See:
]eferseNTra8screptase
RT-PCR
See:
]eferseNTra8screptaseSPolymeraseNChae8N]eacteo8
R
120
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Ryan White CARE Act
The]ya8WheteComprehe8sefeA*DS]esources&merge8cy(CA]&)
Act is federal legislation that addresses unmet health needs of people
living with HIV/AIDS by funding primary health care and support services
thatNe8ha8ceNaccessNtoNa8dNrete8teo8Ne8Ncare.NTheNCA]&NActNesNadme8esS
teredNbyNtheNHealthN]esourcesNa8dNSerfecesNAdme8estrateo8N(H]SA).
See Also:
HealthN]esourcesNa8dNSerfecesNAdme8estrateo8N(H]SA)
S
121
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Salmonella Septicemia
Salmonella
is a bacterium that enters the body through ingestion
of contaminated food or water. Symptoms of infection include
nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Salmonella
septicemia is a
sefereNe8fecteo8NthatNcerculatesNthroughNtheNwholeNbody.N]ecurre8t
Salmonella
septicemia is considered an AIDS-defining condition in
people with HIV.
Salvage Therapy
Also known as rescue therapy. An HIV treatment regimen
designed for people who have used many different anti-HIV drugs
in the past, have failed at least two anti-HIV regimens, and have
extensive drug resistance.
SAMHSA
See:
Substa8ceNAbuseNa8dNMe8talNHealthNSerfecesNAdme8estrateo8
SAT
See:
Self-Administered Therapy
SAT
See:
Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue
SC
See:
Subcutaneous
Seborrheic Dermatitis
A skin condition common in people with HIV. It is characterized
by loose, greasy or dry, white to yellowish scales, with or without
reddened skin. Seborrheic dermatitis may involve the skin of the
scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, nasolabial creases, and lips; behind the
ears; in the external ear; and on the trunk, particularly over the
sternum and along skin folds. The cause is unknown.
Secondary Prophylaxis
See:
Mae8te8a8ceNTherapy
S
122
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Self-Administered Therapy (SAT)
Administration of a medication by the person taking it. In self-
administered therapy, the patient is in control of taking his or her
medication and is unsupervised.
See Also:
Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)
Semen-Derived Enhancer of Virus Infection (SEVI)
A collection of the enzyme prostatic acidic phosphatase (PAP)
that is found in semen and that can increase the likelihood of
HIV infection.
Sepsis
A serious blood-borne infection that is usually caused by bacteria.
Immunocompromised people, such as those with HIV disease, are
at increased risk for sepsis.
Seroconversion
The process by which a newly infected person develops antibodies
to HIV. These antibodies are then detectable by an HIV test.
Seroconversion may occur anywhere from days to weeks or months
following HIV infection.
See Also:
Window Period
Serologic Test
A laboratory test to determine if an individual has antibodies to
a particular foreign invader, such as a virus. A positive serologic
test indicates that an individual is infected or has had an infection
in the past.
Seroprevalence
The number or proportion of people in a given population who have
positive serologic tests for a particular infection.
Serostatus
The presence or absence of detectable antibodies against an
infective agent, such as HIV, in the blood. Seronegativity, or
seronegative status, means that the person has no detectable
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HIV/AIDS Glossary
antibodies and is not infected with the agent or has not had the
chance to develop antibodies to an early infection. Seropositivity,
or seropositive status, means that the person has detectable
antibodies and is infected with the agent or had previously been
infected with the agent.
Serum
The clear, thin, and sticky fluid that separates from blood when
it clots.
Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT)
See:
Liver Function Tests
Serum Glutamic Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT)
See:
Liver Function Tests
Set Point
The viral load established within a few weeks to months after
infection, after the initial burst of virus replication has subsided. The
viral set point is thought to remain steady for an indefinite period of
time if the infection is not treated with anti-HIV drugs. An individual’s
viral set point may determine how quickly HIV infection will progress
without treatment. Higher set points suggest that disease will
progress faster than lower set points.
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
Also known as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Any infection
spread by the transmission of organisms from person to person
during sexual contact.
SGOT
See:
Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase
SGPT
See:
Serum Glutamic Pyruvate Transaminase
S
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HIV/AIDS Glossary
Shingles
ANdeseaseNcausedNbyNfarecellaNzosterNferusN(cZc)RNwhechNalsoNcauses
checke8po5.NcZcNremae8sNe8NtheN8erfeNrootsNofNeferyo8eNwhoNhas
had chickenpox, and it can become active years later to cause
shingles. Shingles causes numbness, itching, or severe pain
followed by clusters of blister-like lesions in a strip-like pattern on
one side of the body. The pain can persist for weeks, months, or
years after the rash heals.
S
ee Also:
carecellaNZosterNcerusN(cZc)
Side Effect
An action or effect of a drug (or vaccine) other than desired
therapeutic effects. The term usually refers to an undesired or
negative effect (adverse effect), such as headache, skin irritation, or
liver damage.
Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV)
A virus similar to HIV that can infect monkeys, chimpanzees,
and macaques and can cause a disease similar to AIDS in some
of these animals. Because the two viruses are closely related,
researchers study SIV as a way to learn more about HIV. However,
SIV cannot infect humans, and HIV cannot infect monkeys.
SIT
See:
Structured Intermittent Therapy
SIV
See:
Simian Immunodeficiency Virus
SJS
See:
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Spinal Tap
Also known as lumbar puncture. A procedure in which cerebrospinal
fluid from the lower spine is extracted with a needle for examination.
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HIV/AIDS Glossary
Splenomegaly
Enlargement of the spleen.
Sputum Analysis
MethodNofNdetecte8gNcertae8Ne8fecteo8sN(especeallyNtuberculoses)Nby
analyzing sputum, the mucus matter that collects in the respiratory
and upper digestive passages and is expelled by coughing.
Standard of Care
A treatment plan that experts agree is appropriate, accepted, and
widely used for a given disease or condition.
Statins
A shortened name for a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs called
HMGSCoANreductaseNe8hebetors.NDrugsNe8NthesNclassNlowerNcholesterol
by slowing down the body’s production of cholesterol and by
increasing the liver’s ability to remove cholesterol from the blood.
See Also:
Cholesterol
STD
See:
Sexually Transmitted Disease
Stem Cell
A generic cell that can make exact copies of itself indefinitely but
can also produce specialized cells for various tissues in the body,
such as heart muscle, brain tissue, and liver tissue.
Steroid
A general class of substances that are structurally related to one
another and share the same chemical skeleton. Some hormones
and drugs are steroids. For example, natural testosterone and its
man-made derivatives help build muscle mass. Corticosteroid drugs
are used to reduce swelling and pain.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
A severe and sometimes fatal form of skin rash characterized by
red, blistered spots on the skin; blisters in the mouth, eyes, genitals,
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126
HIV/AIDS Glossary
or other moist areas of the body; peeling skin that results in painful
sores; and fever, headache, and other flu-like symptoms. Internal
organs may also be affected. SJS may occur as a severe reaction
toNcertae8NdrugsRNe8clude8gNNN]T*sNusedNtoNtreatNH*cNe8fecteo8.
STI
An abbreviation used for either structured treatment interruption or
for sexually transmitted infection (also known as sexually transmitted
disease, or STD).
See Also:
Structured Treatment Interruption (STI)
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
Stomatitis
Inflammation or irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth.
Strain
A type of virus that has a common ancestry but also clear-cut
physiologic distinctions, often in resistance profiles. For example,
HIV molecules that express nucleoside-associated resistance
mutations are a separate viral strain than wild-type HIV molecules,
which do not express resistance mutations.
Structured Intermittent Therapy (SIT)
A type of structured treatment interruption that is characterized
by time-based treatment cycles (weeks or months on and off
anti-HIV drugs).
See Also:
Structured Treatment Interruption (STI)
Structured Treatment Interruption (STI)
Also known as a drug holiday. A planned, doctor-supervised
discontinuation of anti-HIV drugs. Goals of STI include reduced
toxicity, reduced treatment costs, and improved quality of life.
Subclinical Infection
An infection or phase of an infection without obvious symptoms or
signs of disease.
S
127
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Subcutaneous (SC)
Beneath the skin, or administration of a substance beneath the skin.
Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue (SAT)
A type of adipose (fat) tissue found directly under the skin. Both loss
(lipoatrophy) and gain (lipohypertrophy) of this fat tissue can occur
as a side effect of HIV infection and some of the drugs used to treat
H*cNe8fecteo8RNespeceallyNP*sNa8dNN]T*s.
See Also:
Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA)
The lead agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) for improving the quality and availability of substance
abuse prevention, addiction treatment, and mental health services
in the United States.
Subtype
H*cNesNclassefeedNe8toNtwoNtypesRNH*cSUNa8dNH*cS2.NWethe8NH*cSUNare
groupsNofNsemelarNferalNstrae8s.NTheseNareNtheNmajorN(M)NsubtypeNa8d
8o8SMN(8ewN[N,Na8dNoutleerN[O,)Nsubtypes.NTheNmajoretyNofNH*cSU
e8fecteo8sNareNbyNMSsubtypeNferalNstrae8s.NSubtypeNMNH*cSUNesNfurther
broken down into nine genetically distinct strains known as clades.
See Also:
Clade
Subunit HIV Vaccine
Also known as a component vaccine. Subunit vaccines contain
only part of the HIV virus (such as individual proteins or peptides)
produced in the laboratory by genetic engineering techniques.
See Also:
Vaccine
Genetic Engineering
Superinfection
A new infection acquired on top of an existing infection. For
e5ampleRNaNperso8Ne8fectedNwethNo8eNstrae8NofNH*cSUNca8RNefNe5posed
to a different strain, become infected with the new strain in addition
to the existing strain. Superinfection can complicate HIV treatment
S
128
HIV/AIDS Glossary
by requiring additional drugs to target the newly introduced
HIV strain.
Surrogate Endpoint
ANshortStermNoutcomeRNsuchNasNaNcha8geNe8NferalNloadNorNCD4Ncou8t
that may be used as a substitute to reflect a clinical target outcome,
such as mortality or disease progression. For example, a change
e8NferalNloadN(H*cN]NANlefel)NmayNbeNaNsurrogateNe8dpoe8tNforNthe
progression of HIV to AIDS as a clinical endpoint.
See Also:
Clinical Endpoint
Surrogate Marker
See:
Surrogate Endpoint
Susceptible
Having little resistance to a specific infectious disease. Also
used to describe an HIV strain that is not resistant to a particular
anti-HIV drug.
Sustained Viral Suppression
See:
Sustae8edNcerologecN]espo8se
Sustained Virologic Response
TheNco8te8uedRNlo8gStermNsuppresseo8NofNH*cN]NANasNa
result of successful treatment with highly active antiretroviral
therapy regimens.
Syncytium
A giant cell formed by the fusing together of two or more smaller
cells. HIV-infected cells can fuse with uninfected cells to form
syncytia. The presence of so-called syncytia-inducing variants of
HIV has been correlated with rapid disease progression in HIV-
infected individuals.
Syndrome
A set of symptoms or conditions that occur together and suggest a
certain disease or an increased chance of developing a disease.
S
129
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Syndrome X
See:
MetabolecNSy8drome
Synergy
An interaction between two or more drugs that produces an effect
greater than the sum of their individual effects.
Syphilis
A sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium
Treponema pallidum
. In the early stage of syphilis, a genital or
mouth sore called a chancre develops but eventually disappears
on its own. However, if the disease is not treated, the infection can
progress over the years to affect the heart and central nervous
system. Syphilis can also be transmitted from an infected mother to
her fetus during pregnancy, with serious health consequences for
the infant.
Systemic
A term used to describe a disease or treatment that affects the
body as a whole.
T
130
HIV/AIDS Glossary
TAM
See:
Thymede8eNA8alogueNMutateo8
Tanner Staging
A method for determining an adolescent’s stage of sexual
development, irrespective of chronological age. In HIV treatment,
Tanner staging is used to determine the appropriate treatment
guidelines to follow: adult, adolescent, or pediatric.
TAT
See:
Total Adipose Tissue
TB
See:
Tuberculosis
T Cell
A type of lymphocyte (disease-fighting white blood cell). The
T stands for the thymus, the organ in which T cells mature. T
cellsNe8cludeNCD4NcellsNa8dNCDXNcellsRNwhechNareNbothNcretecal
components of the body’s immune system.
See Also:
CD4NCell
CD8 Cell
Lymphocyte
T-Cell Exhaustion
Also known as T-cell depletion. T-cell exhaustion occurs when the
body’s T cells become progressively less able to continue their
activity against a virus or other infective agent. This depletion of
T-cell function occurs with long-term infection, such as HIV.
T-Cell Precursor
An immature cell in the thymus that eventually matures and
develops into a differentiated T cell.
TEN
See:
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
T
131
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Teratogenic
Causing harm to a fetus by interfering with normal prenatal
defelopme8t.NMa8yNdrugsRNe8clude8gNsomeNa8teSH*cNdrugsRNare
teratogenic when taken by pregnant women.
Testosterone
A hormone necessary for normal male sexual development and
functioning and also important in maintaining muscle strength
and mass. Testosterone is sometimes used for the treatment of
HIV-related wasting syndrome and to increase muscle mass and
decrease body fat in people with HIV. Testosterone replacement
therapy is also used to raise testosterone levels in people with HIV-
related hypogonadism.
See Also:
Wasting Syndrome
Hypogonadism
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)
Measurement of anti-HIV drug levels in an individual’s blood. These
measurements are then used to make appropriate adjustments to
the dosage of the drug. TDM may help improve the drug’s effect
and reduce side effects by keeping the blood level in a specific
targetNra8ge.NTDMNesNmae8lyNusedNforNdrugsNe8NwhechNsmallNcha8ges
in drug levels cause large changes in drug effect.
See Also:
Therapeutic Index (TI)
Pharmacokinetics
Therapeutic HIV Vaccine
Any HIV vaccine used for the treatment of an HIV-infected person.
Therapeutic HIV vaccines are designed to boost an individual’s
immune response to HIV infection to better control the virus. This
therapeutic approach is currently being tested in clinical trials.
See Also:
Preventive HIV Vaccine
Therapeutic Index (TI)
A measure of a drug’s ability to achieve the desired effect in an
e8defedual.NMa8yNa8teSH*cNdrugsNhafeNaN8arrowNT*RNwhechNmea8sNthat
small changes in levels of the drug may produce big effects. Doses
T
132
HIV/AIDS Glossary
of these drugs are sometimes adjusted using therapeutic drug
mo8etore8gN(TDM).
See Also:
TherapeutecNDrugNMo8etore8gN(TDM)
Thrombocytopenia
A lower than normal number of blood platelets (cells important for
blood clotting).
See Also:
Platelet
Thrush
See:
Candidiasis
Thymidine Analogue Mutation (TAM)
A mutation in HIV’s reverse transcriptase (RT) enzyme that can
occurNwethNtheNuseNofNtheNN]T*sNzedofude8eNa8dNstafude8e.NTAMs
make HIV resistant to these drugs and may limit a person’s
treatment options.
See Also:
NucleosedeNA8alogueN]eferseNTra8screptaseN*8hebetorN(N]T*)
]eferseNTra8screptaseN(]T)
Thymus
An organ in the chest behind the breastbone. This organ is an
essential part of the immune system, because it is the site where
infection-fighting T cells develop.
See Also:
T Cell
TI
See:
Therapeutic Index
t.i.d.
Three-times-a-day dosing instructions.
Titer
A laboratory measurement of the amount of a given compound in
solution. For example, an antibody titer is the measurement of the
amount of a particular antibody in a sample of blood.
T
133
HIV/AIDS Glossary
T Lymphocyte
See:
T Cell
Tolerability
Term used to indicate how well a particular drug is tolerated
or endured when taken by people at the usual dosage. Good
tolerability means that drug side effects do not cause people to
stop using the drug.
Tolerance
A decreasing response to repeated doses of a drug, requiring a
dose increase to continue the effects of the drug.
Topical
A substance, such as a cream or lotion, applied to body surfaces
such as the skin or mucous membranes.
Total Adipose Tissue (TAT)
Adipose (fat) tissue is primarily located under the skin
(subcutaneous adipose tissue) but is also found around internal
organs (visceral adipose tissue). Together, these two types of fat
tissue are called total adipose tissue. Lipodystrophy, or changes
in body fat, are a potential side effect of some anti-HIV drugs,
especeallyNP*sNa8dNN]T*s.
See Also:
Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue (SAT)
Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT)
Lipodystrophy
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
A severe form of Stevens-Johnson syndrome involving at least
30%NofNtheNtotalNbodyNske8Narea.
See Also:
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
Toxicity
Ability to poison or otherwise harm the body.
See Also:
Adverse Event
T
134
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Toxoplasmosis
An infection caused by the parasite
Toxoplasma gondii
. The parasite
is carried by cats, birds, and other animals and is also found in soil
contaminated by cat feces and in meat, particularly pork. Infection
can occur in the lungs, retina of the eye, heart, pancreas, liver,
colon, testes, and brain. Toxoplasmosis of the brain is considered
an AIDS-defining condition in people with HIV.
Transcription
One of the steps in the HIV life cycle. Transcription is the process by
which the HIV DNA provirus is used as a template to create copies of
HIV’sRNAgeneticmaterialaswellasshorterstrandsofHIVRNAcalled
messe8ger]NA(m]NA).H*cm]NAesthe8usede8aprocesscalled
translation to create HIV proteins and continue the virus’s life cycle.
See Also:
Provirus
Translation
Messe8gerN]NAN(m]NA)
Translation
The step in the HIV life cycle that follows transcription. Translation
is the process by which the genetic information contained in HIV
mRNA is used to build HIV proteins using the host cell’s protein-
making machinery. Once these HIV proteins are produced, they can
combine with copies of HIV’s RNA genetic material to form new,
complete copies of HIV.
See Also:
Transcription
Transplacental
Across or through the placenta. Usually refers to the exchange of
nutrients, waste products, and other materials (for example, drugs
or infectious organisms) between the mother and the fetus.
Treatment-Experienced
A term used to describe HIV-infected individuals who are currently
being treated with anti-HIV drugs or who have taken anti-HIV drugs
in the past.
See Also:
Treatment-Naive
T
135
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Treatment Failure
A broad term that describes failure of an anti-HIV treatment to
adequately control HIV infection. The three types of HIV treatment
failure are virologic, immunologic, and clinical failure. Factors
that contribute to treatment failure include poor adherence, drug
resistance, and drug toxicity.
See Also:
Virologic Failure
Immunologic Failure
Clinical Failure
Treatment-Naive
A term used to describe HIV-infected individuals who have never
taken anti-HIV drugs.
See Also:
Treatment-Experienced
Treatment Regimen
A structured plan of treatment, usually with drugs, that is
implemented to improve or maintain health.
Trial Design
The structure of a clinical study or trial. Examples include open-label
or double-blind, comparative or observational.
Triglycerides
Fat-like substances that help transfer energy from food into cells.
Triglyceride levels that are too high increase the risk of heart disease
and have been associated with diabetes and pancreatitis. Elevated
triglyceride levels are a potential side effect of some PIs.
Triple-Class Experienced
A term used to describe an HIV-infected patient who has been
treated with drugs from each of the following three anti-HIV drug
classes: nucleotide/nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; non-
nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; and protease inhibitors.
Tropism
See:
Viral Tropism
T
136
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Trough Concentration
See:
CM*N
Trough Level
See:
CM*N
T-Tropic Virus
See:
X4STropecNcerus
Tuberculin Skin Test
A test performed by injecting purified protein derivative (PPD) extract
under the skin. A person who receives this test must return to his
or her health care provider after 48 to 72 hours so that the skin’s
reaction can be evaluated. A hard red bump or a swollen area at
the injection site indicates that the person has been exposed to
the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). Additional tests are
required to determine if the person has active TB infection.
See Also:
Purified Protein Derivative (PPD)
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB)
An infection caused by the bacterium
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
.
TB bacteria are spread through the air when a person with active
TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Breathing in the bacteria can lead
to infection in the air sacs of the lungs. Symptoms of TB in the
lungs include cough, tiredness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
Although the disease usually occurs in the lungs, it may also affect
the larynx, lymph nodes, brain, kidneys, or bones. A person with
both TB and HIV is more likely to develop tuberculosis disease than
a person infected only with the TB bacterium, and TB is considered
an AIDS-defining condition in people with HIV.
See Also:
Tuberculin Skin Test
U
137
HIV/AIDS Glossary
UD VL
See:
Undetectable Viral Load
Undetectable Viral Load (UD VL)
TheNpoe8tNatNwhechNlefelsNofNH*cN]NANe8NtheNbloodNareNtooNlowNtoNbe
detected with a viral load test. This does not mean that the virus
has stopped replicating or has been removed from the body entirely,
only that the small amount of virus remaining is below the test’s
ability to measure it. The viral load below which a test cannot detect
the virus depends on the brand of the viral load test.
See Also:
Viral Load (VL)
V
138
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Vaccination
Administration of a vaccine for either preventive or therapeutic
purposes.
See Also:
Vaccine
Preventive HIV Vaccine
Therapeutic HIV Vaccine
Vaccine
A substance that stimulates the body’s immune response in order
to prevent or control an infection. A vaccine is typically made up of
some part of a bacteria or virus that cannot itself cause an infection.
]esearchersNareNteste8gNfacce8esNbothNtoNprefe8tNa8dNtreatNH*cT
AIDS; however, there is currently no vaccine approved for use
outside of clinical trials.
See Also:
Preventive HIV Vaccine
Therapeutic HIV Vaccine
Vaccinia
A cowpox virus that is used as a vaccine against smallpox
infection and as a vector, or carrier, for other types of vaccines. In
HIV vaccine clinical trials, vaccinia and other herpesviruses have
been used as vectors.
See Also:
Vector
Herpesviruses
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)
A virus in the herpes family that causes chicken pox (usually during
childhood) and may reactivate later in life to cause shingles.
See Also:
Herpesviruses
Shingles
VAT
See:
Visceral Adipose Tissue
V
139
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Vector
A harmless virus or bacteria used as a vaccine carrier to deliver
pieces of a disease-causing organism (such as HIV) into the body’s
cells to stimulate a protective immune response.
See Also:
Vaccine
Vertical Transmission
A term used to describe the transmission of a disease from parent
to offspring. For example, HIV can be spread vertically from mother
to child during pregnancy, at birth, or through breastfeeding.
See Also:
MotherStoSCheldNTra8smesseo8N(MTCT)
Horizontal Transmission
Viral Decay
The reduction of viral reservoirs in the body. Decay of a virus may be
measured by pharmacokinetic studies.
Viral Evolution
The changes that occur in a population of viruses as they adapt to
specific conditions and changes in the host environment.
Viral Load (VL)
TheNamou8tNofNH*cN]NANe8NaNbloodNsampleRNreportedNasN8umber
ofNH*cN]NANcopeesNperNmelleleterNofNbloodNplasma.NTheNcbNprofedes
information about the number of cells infected with HIV and is an
important indicator of HIV progression and of how well treatment is
working. The VL can be measured by different techniques, including
branched-chain DNA (bDNA) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase
chae8Nreacteo8N(]TSPC])Nassays.NcbNtestsNareNusuallyNdo8eNwhe8
an individual is diagnosed with HIV infection and at regular intervals
after diagnosis.
See Also:
Branched-Chain DNA (bDNA) Assay
]eferseNTra8screptaseSPolymeraseNChae8N]eacteo8N(]TSPC])
V
140
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Viral Load Test
TestNthatNmeasuresNtheN–ua8tetyNofNH*cN]NANe8NtheNblood.N]esults
areNreportedNasNtheN8umberNofNcopeesNofNH*cN]NANperNmelleleterNof
blood plasma. The two types of HIV viral load test are reverse
tra8screptaseSpolymeraseNchae8Nreacteo8N(]TSPC])Na8dNbra8ched
chain DNA (bDNA).
See Also:
Viral Load (VL)
]eferseNTra8screptaseSPolymeraseNChae8N]eacteo8N(]TSPC])
Branched-Chain DNA (bDNA) Assay
Viral Rebound
]eappeara8ceNofNH*cNe8NtheNbloodNafterNhafe8gNbee8
successfully suppressed to undetectable levels as a result
of anti-HIV drug treatment.
See Also:
Undetectable Viral Load (UD VL)
Virologic Failure
Viral Replication
The process a virus undergoes to produce a copy of itself.
Viral Set Point
See:
Set Point
Viral Suppression
Halting of the function or replication of a virus. In HIV, optimal viral
suppresseo8NesNmeasuredNasNtheNreducteo8NofNferalNloadN(H*cN]NA)
to undetectable levels and is the goal of highly active antiretroviral
therapyN(HAA]T).
V
141
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Viral Tropism
]efersNtoNwhechNtypeNofNcoreceptorNH*cNusesNwhe8Nbe8de8gNtoNaNcell
dure8gNe8fecteo8.NH*cNca8Nbe8dNtoNtheNCXC]4NcoreceptorN(X4Stropec)
orNtoNtheNCC]5NcoreceptorN(]5Stropec)No8NaNcellNsurface.NAlthough
the virus often prefers one coreceptor to the other, it also can be
dual/mixed-tropic HIV that can bind to either coreceptor. Viral
tropism may switch, or change from preference of one coreceptor
to the other, during the course of an HIV infection.
See Also:
CC]5
CXC]4
Viremia
The presence of virus in the bloodstream.
Viricide
Any substance that can destroy or inactivate a virus.
Virion
A mature virus particle that exists freely outside a host cell.
Virologic Control
See:
Viral Suppression
Virologic Failure
Inability of anti-HIV drug treatment to reduce viral load or to maintain
suppression of viral load. Virologic failure is the most common type
of treatment failure and may lead to immunologic and clinical failure.
See Also:
Immunologic Failure
Clinical Failure
Viral Load (VL)
Virology
The study of viruses and viral disease.
V
142
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Virus
A microscopic organism that requires a host cell to make more
copies of itself. Examples of human diseases caused by virus
infections are AIDS, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, influenza, and
the common cold.
Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT)
A type of adipose (fat) tissue that surrounds internal organs in the
abdominal cavity. Accumulation of this fat is known as central fat
deposition or visceral lipohypertrophy, and may occur as a side
effectNofNsomeNa8teSH*cNdrugsRNespeceallyNP*sNa8dNN]T*s.
See Also:
Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue (SAT)
Body Habitus Changes
VL
See:
Viral Load
VZV
See:
carecellaNZosterNcerus
W
143
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Wasting Syndrome
TheNe8folu8taryNlossNofNmoreNtha8NU0%NofNbodyNweeghtNe8Naddeteo8
toNmoreNtha8N30NdaysNofNeetherNdearrheaNorNweak8essNa8dNfefer.
Wasting refers to the loss of muscle mass, although part of the
weight loss may also be due to loss of fat. HIV-associated wasting
syndrome is considered an AIDS-defining condition.
Western Blot
A laboratory technique used to detect a specific protein. A Western
blot test to detect HIV proteins in the blood is used to confirm a
positive HIV antibody test (ELISA).
See Also:
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
White Blood Cell
Also known as a leukocyte. These cells make up the immune
system and include lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils,
eosinophils, macrophages, and mast cells. White blood cells
are made by bone marrow and help the body fight infection and
other diseases.
WHO
See:
World Health Organization
WIHS
See:
Women’s Interagency HIV Study
Wild-Type Virus
A term to describe viral strains (including strains of HIV) that
have not acquired any genetic mutations that create special
characteristics, such as resistance to particular drugs.
Window Period
The time period between a person’s infection with HIV and the
appearance of detectable anti-HIV antibodies. Because antibodies
to HIV take some time to form, an HIV antibody test will not be
positive immediately after a person is infected. The time delay
typecallyNra8gesNfromNU4NtoN2UNdaysRNbutNfareesNforNdeffere8tNpeople.
W
144
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Nearly everyone infected with HIV will have detectable antibodies by
3NtoNVNmo8thsNafterNe8fecteo8.
See Also:
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Antibody
Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS)
ANmultece8terNstudyNestableshedNe8NUYY3NtoNresearchNtheNempactNof
HIV infection in women. The study’s ultimate goal is to gain a better
understanding of and provide adequate support for women who
are currently HIV infected or who are at risk for HIV infection. The
study is jointly supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI),
theNNateo8alNCe8terNforN]esearchN]esourcesN(NC]])RNtheNNateo8al
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the National
Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), and the
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
World Health Organization (WHO)
The United Nations’ health organization. Responsible for providing
leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research
agenda, setting standards, articulating evidence-based policy
options, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring
and assessing health trends.
X
145
HIV/AIDS Glossary
X4-Tropic Virus
Also known as T-tropic virus. A strain of HIV that uses the
chemoke8eNreceptorNCXC]4NasNaNcoreceptorNtoNbe8dNtoNa8dNe8fect
huma8Nemmu8eNcells.NAlthoughNsomeNH*cSUNstrae8sNareNX4Stropec
from the beginning of infection, it is more common for the virus to
swetchNtoNuse8gNtheNCXC]4NcoreceptorNasNtheNdeseaseNprogresses.
See Also:
]5STropecNcerus
Chemokines
Coreceptor
CXC]4
XDR-TB
See:
&5te8sefelyNDrugS]esesta8tNTuberculoses
Y
146
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Yeast Infection
See:
Candidiasis
147
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
FEDERAL RESOURCES
AIDS.gov
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200N*8depe8de8ceNAfe8ueRNSW
Washe8gto8RNDCN2020U
Description:
AIDS.gov provides comprehensive
governmentwide information on HIV/AIDS for
the general public, Federal agencies, state staff/
public health departments, Federal grantees,
medical institutions, research institutions,
and HIV/AIDS-related organizations.
Spanish:
Yes
E-mail:
contact@AIDS.gov
Web:
http://www.aids.gov
CDC-INFO (Formerly the CDC National AIDS Hotline)
P.O.NBo5NU3X2W
]esearchNTrea8gleNParkRNNCN2WW0Y
Description:
CDC-INFO offers anonymous, confidential
HIV/AIDS information to the American public.
Trained staff answer questions about HIV
infection and AIDS in English and Spanish and
provide TTY service for the deaf. They provide
referrals to appropriate services, including
clinics, hospitals, local hotlines, counseling and
testing sites, legal services, health departments,
support groups, educational organizations, and
service agencies throughout the United States.
Callers can also order publications, posters, and
other informational materials.
Toll-Free:
800–CDC–INFO (800–232–4636)
TTY:
888–232–6348
148
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
Spanish:
Yes
Hours:
24NhoursTWNdays
E-mail:
cdcinfo@cdc.gov
Web:
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/
CDC National Prevention Information Network (CDC NPIN)
A service of the Center for Disease Control National Center for HIV,
STD, and TB Prevention (NCHSTP)
P.O.NBo5NV003
Rockville, MD 20849–6003
Description:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) NPIN is a national reference, referral, and
distribution service for information about HIV/
AIDS, STDs, and TB prevention, treatment, and
support services. NPIN staff serve a diverse
network of people who work in international,
national, state, and local settings.
Toll-Free:
800–458–5231
International
Callers:
404–679–3860
Fax:
888–282–7681
Spanish:
Yes
E-mail:
info@cdcnpin.org
Web:
http://www.cdcnpin.org/
Live Help Hours:
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., E.S.T.
Business Hours:
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., E.S.T.
149
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
ClinicalTrials.gov
A service of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
DefelopedNbyNtheNNateo8alNbebraryNofNMedece8eN(NbM)
XV00N]ockfelleNPeke
BethesdaRNMDN20XY4
Description:
ClinicalTrials.gov
provides patients, family
members, health care professionals, and
other members of the public easy access to
information on clinical trials for a wide range
of diseases and conditions, including HIV
infection. The site provides information about a
trial’s purpose, who may participate, study site
locations, and contact information.
Toll-Free:
888–FINDNLM (888–346–3656)
International
Callers:
301–594–5983
Fax:
301–402–1384
E-mail:
custserv@nlm.nih.gov
Web:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
Directory of Information Resources Online (DIRLINE)
Nateo8alNbebraryNofNMedece8eN(NbM)
Specialized Information Services
Description:
D*]b*N&NesNa8No8le8eNderectoryNofNmoreNtha8
XR000NhealthSrelatedNorga8ezateo8sNwelle8gNto
respond to public inquiries in their specialty
areas.
Phone:
301–496–1131 or 301–496–3147
Fax:
301–480–3537
E-mail:
tehip@teh.nlm.nih.gov
Web:
http://dirline.nlm.nih.gov
150
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
Drugs@FDA
Description:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is
a regulatory agency that enforces the Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health
Service Act, assuring that drugs and biologics
are safe and effective for their intended uses
and properly labeled. Drugs@FDA provides
the approval history, label history, and label
information for all drugs that have been
approved by the FDA. The site is updated daily.
E-mail:
[uesteo8Tcomme8tNformNafaelableNat:Nhttp:TTwww.
fda.gov/cder/comment/commentdrugcat.htm
Web:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/
drugsatfda
FDA HIV and AIDS Web site
5V00NFeshersNba8e
]ockfelleRNMDN20X5W
Description:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is
a regulatory agency that enforces the Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health
Service Act, assuring that drugs and biologics
are safe and effective for their intended uses
and properly labeled. The FDA HIV and AIDS
Web site provides information about product
approval, labeling changes, safety warnings,
and public hearings. It also provides links to
pages about HIV therapies, the FDA HIV/AIDS
timeline, and other government resources for
HIV/AIDS.
Toll-Free
Help Line:
888–INFO–FDA (888–463–6332)
E-mail:
[uesteo8Tcomme8tNformNafaelable:
http://www.fda.gov/comments/webform.html
Web:
http://www.fda.gov/oashi/aids/HIV.html
151
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
Health Hotlines
Spo8soredNbyNtheNNateo8alNbebraryNofNMedece8eN(NbM)
VW0WNDemocracyNBoulefardRNSueteN5U0
BethesdaRNMDN20XY2
Description:
Health Hotlines is a listing of organizations
with toll-free telephone numbers derived from
the NLM’s Directory of Information Resources
O8le8eN(D*]b*N&).NTheNorga8ezateo8sNe8cluded
in Health Hotlines provide health-related
information and services related to AIDS,
cancer, maternal and child health, aging,
substance abuse, disabilities, mental health, and
more. To assist Spanish speakers, each entry
includes the organization name in Spanish and
English. The Health Hotline entries also show
whether the organizations offer resources in
Spanish.
Phone:
301–496–3147
Fax:
301–480–3537
E-mail:
HealthHotlines@nih.gov
Web:
http://healthhotlines.nlm.nih.gov
152
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
HIV/AIDS Housing – U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD)
Office of HIV/AIDS Housing
Office of Community Planning and Development
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
45UNSefe8thNSt.RNSWRN]oomNW2U2
Washe8gto8RNDCN204U0SW000
Description:
The HUD Web site addresses housing needs
for people living with HIV/AIDS. It also provides
contact information for state resources.
Toll-Free
Help Line:
Numbers vary by state and can be found
online at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/
aidshousing/local
TTY/TDD
800–877–8339
Fax:
202–708–9313
Spanish:
Yes
E-mail:
HOPWA@hud.gov
Web:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/aidshousing
MedlinePlus
A service of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
DefelopedNbyNtheNNateo8alNbebraryNofNMedece8eN(NbM)
XV00N]ockfelleNPeke
BethesdaRNMDN20XY4
Description:
Medle8ePlusNprofedesNo8le8eNe8formateo8Nto
help answer health questions. This Web site
combe8esNauthoretatefeNe8formateo8NfromNNbMR
NIH, other government agencies, and health-
relatedNorga8ezateo8s.NMedle8ePlusNhasNe5te8sefe
information about drugs, an illustrated medical
encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials, and
breaking health news.
Toll-Free:
888–FINDNLM (888–346–3656)
International
Callers:
301–594–5983
153
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
Fax:
301–402–1384
E-mail:
custserv@nlm.nih.gov
Web:
http://www.medlineplus.gov
National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
National Institutes of Health
P.O.NBo5NWY23
GaethersburgRNMDN20XYX
Description:
NCCAMNesNo8eNofNtheN2WN*8stetutesNa8dNCe8ters
that make up the National Institutes of Health
(N*H).NNCCAMNsupportsNscee8tefecNresearchNo8
compleme8taryNa8dNalter8atefeNmedecalN(CAM)
practices, trains scientists and researchers,
and disseminates information to health care
profedersNa8dNtheNpublec.NTheNNCCAMNsete
featuresNhealthNe8formateo8;NdetaelsNaboutNCAM
research and training opportunities; and Live
Help, an online chat service.
Toll-Free:
888–644–6226
TTY:
866–464–3615
International
Caller:
301–519–3153
Fax:
866–464–3616
Hours:
Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., E.S.T.
E-mail:
info@nccam.nih.gov
Web:
http://www.nccam.nih.gov
Live Help Online:
http://www.nccaminfo.org/livehelp
154
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
National Center for Health Statistics
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
33UUNToledoN]oad
HyattsfelleRNMDN20WX2
Description:
The National Center for Health Statistics
compiles statistical information to guide actions
and policies to improve the health of Americans.
The National Center for Health Statistics’ Web
site is an excellent source of information about
HIV/AIDS in America. It provides statistics on
new AIDS cases, hospital discharges and
length of stays, and death rates.
Toll-Free:
866–441–NCHS (866–441–6247)
Phone:
301–458–4000
E-mail:
cdcinfo@cdc.gov
Web:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/aids-hiv.htm
National HIV and STD Testing Resources
Description:
A Web site where users can search for HIV and
other STD testing locations near them. The site
also provides information on how HIV and STD
tests work, who is at risk, and links to other sites
with more information about HIV and STDs.
Spanish:
Yes
E-mail:
info@cdcnpin.org
Web:
http://hivtest.org
155
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health
Y000N]ockfelleNPeke
BethesdaRNMDN20XY2S2UY0
Description:
TheNN*DC]NesNo8eNofNtheN2WN*8stetutesNa8d
Centers that make up the National Institutes
ofNHealthN(N*H).NTheNN*DC]NWebNseteNprofedes
information regarding oral (mouth) problems
related to HIV infection and explains the most
common oral problems linked to HIV. The
site also features photographs of the various
conditions. Contact NIDCR’s National Oral
Health Information Clearinghouse for information
about oral, dental, and craniofacial health at the
number below.
Phone:
301–402–7364
E-mail:
nidcrinfo@mail.nih.gov
Web:
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/HIV
Office of Minority Health Resource Center
]esourceNCe8ter
P.O.NBo5N3W33W
Washe8gto8RNDCN200U3SW33W
Description:
TheNOffeceNofNMe8oretyNHealthN(OMH)NesNthe
Department of Health and Human Services
agency that focuses on improving and
protecting the health of racial and ethnic
me8oretyNpopulateo8s.NOMHNoperatesNtheNOMH
]esourceNCe8terN(OMH]C)RNwhechNserfesNas
an information and referral service on minority
health issues for professionals, community
groups, consumers, and students. The staff also
offer technical assistance to small community-
based HIV/AIDS organizations and HIV/AIDS
service organizations.
Toll-Free:
800–444–6472
156
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
Spanish:
Yes
Fax:
301–251–2160
Hours:
Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., E.S.T.
E-mail:
info@omhrc.gov
Web:
http://www.omhrc.gov
NON-FEDERAL RESOURCES
AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA)
230NWestN3XthNStreet
UWthNFloor
NewNYorkRNNYNU00UX
Description:
A*DSNCommu8etyN]esearchN*8eteatefeNofNAmereca
(AC]*A)NesNaNcollaboratefeNa8dNe8depe8de8tN8otS
for-profit organization that provides a database
of studies for new treatments for HIV/AIDS and
related diseases and conducts a comprehensive
HIV health literacy program.
Phone
212–924–3934
Fax:
212–924–3936
Spanish:
Yes
E-mail:
info@acria.org
Web:
http://www.acria.org/index.html
157
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
AIDSMAP
Spo8soredNbyNNAM
Lincoln House
UNBre5to8N]oad
London
SWYNVD&NNN•K
Description:
O8NtheNA*DSMAPNWebNseteNyouNca8Nfe8d
daily news on developments in the world
of HIV. The site includes comprehensive,
searchable databases of HIV treatment and
care information and HIV organization listings
forNmoreNtha8NUW5Ncou8trees.NTheNKeyNTopec
Guides page of the site gives you an overview
ofNaedsmap.comNresourcesNe8NmoreNtha8N30Nkey
topic areas.
Phone:
+44–0–20–7840–0050
Fax:
+44–0–20–7735–5351
E-mail:
info@nam.org.uk
Web:
http://www.aidsmap.com
American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM)
UW05NDeSalesNStreetRNNW
SueteNW00
Washe8gto8RNDCN2003V
Description:
TheNAAH*cMNesNaNmembershepNorga8ezateo8Nof
health care providers dedicated to promoting
excellence in HIV/AIDS care. The Web site offers
patient resources, including a free searchable
database of HIV specialists throughout the
country.
Toll-Free:
866–241–9601
Phone:
202–659–0699
Fax:
202–659–0976
Hours:
Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., E.S.T.
E-mail:
info@aahivm.org
Web:
http://aahivm.org
158
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry
]esearchNPark
U0UUNAshesNDrefe
Welme8gto8RNNCN2X405
Description:
TheNA8teretroferalNPreg8a8cyN]egestry
was established to evaluate exposures to
antiretroviral medications during pregnancy
and to estimate the prevalence of major birth
defects. The registry is designed to provide
an early warning signal of teratogenicity and
to assist clinicians and patients in weighing
potential risks and benefits of HIV treatment.
Toll-Free:
United States, Canada: 800–258–4263
(Voicemail available after business hours);
United Kingdom, Germany, France (toll-free):
00800–5913–1359; Other European Countries:
+32–2–714–5028; International: 910–256–0238
Fax:
United States: 800–800–1052;
United Kingdom, Germany, France (toll-free):
00800–5812–1658; Other European Countries:
+32–2–714–5024; International: 910–256–0637
or +44–1628–789–666
Multilingual:
TheNA8teretroferalNPreg8a8cyN]egestryNcallNce8ter
in Brussels has multilingual capability.
Hours:
United States, Canada: Monday–Friday, 8:30
a.m.– 6 p.m., E.S.T.
E-mail:
registries@Kendle.com
Web:
http://www.apregistry.com
159
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
HIV InSite
University of California San Francisco (UCSF)
Center for HIV Information (CHI)
4U50NCleme8tNStreetRNBo5NUUUc
Sa8NFra8cescoRNCANY4U2U
Description:
HIV InSite’s Web site includes the
HIV InSite
Knowledge Base
section, a complete online
textbook with extensive references and related
links organized by topic. This database also
contains details on drug interactions. The site
provides free, anonymous access to all of the
site’s content.
Fax:
415–379–5547
E-mail:
info@hivinsite.ucsf.edu
Web:
http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite
HIV Medicine Association
U300NWelso8NBlfd
SueteN300
Arle8gto8RNcAN2220Y
Description:
The Infectious Diseases Society of America
(*DSA)NcreatedNtheNH*cNMedece8eNAssoceateo8
(H*cMA)Ne8NfallN2000NtoNprofedeNa8Norga8ezateo8al
home for medical professionals engaged in HIV
medece8e.NThroughNetsNactefeteesRNH*cMANsupports
clinicians in overcoming the challenges inherent
in providing high quality health care to patients
living with HIV disease.
H*cMANreprese8tsNtheNdefersetyNof
medical subspecialties practicing HIV medicine,
including internal medicine, family practice,
infectious diseases, oncology, and obstetrics-
gy8ecology.NAsNofNSeptemberN200XRNH*cMA
hasNmoreNtha8N3RV00NmembersNreprese8te8gN4Y
statesRNtheNDestrectNofNColumbeaRNPuertoN]ecoRNthe
160
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
cerge8N*sla8dsRNa8dN3VNcou8treesNoutsedeNofNthe
United States.
Phone Number:
703–299–0200
Fax:
703–299–0204
E-mail:
hivma@idsociety.org
Web:
http://www.hivma.org/
International AIDS Society
*8ter8ateo8alNA*DSNSoceetyNH[
Afe.NbouesNCasaïNWU
P.O.NBo5N20
CHNSNU2UVNCoe8tre8
Geneva, Switzerland
Description:
The International AIDS Society is the world’s
leading independent association of HIV/AIDS
professionals. They convene the world’s largest
meetings on HIV/AIDS, provide critical platforms
for presenting new research, share best
practices, and advance the fight against HIV/
AIDS. They promote dialogue, education, and
networking. IAS helps close gaps in knowledge
and expertise at every level of response. They
provide support services to their members, help
them do what they do best, advance the state
of the art, expand access to HIV prevention and
treatment, and impact mitigation.
International
Callers:
+41–(0)22–7 100 800
Fax:
+41–(0)22–7 100 899
E-mail:
info@iasociety.org
Web:
http://www.iasociety.org/
161
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (IAPAC)
U23NMadeso8NStreet
SueteNU400
ChecagoRN*bNV0V02
Description:
IAPAC provides educational services to its
membership on best clinical practices in
managing HIV and its associated complications.
IAPAC offers the Global AIDS Learning and
Evaluation Network (GALEN), a medical training
and certification initiative for physicians who
treat HIV in the developing world.
Phone:
312–795–4930
Fax:
312–376–1620
E-mail:
iapac@iapac.org
Web:
http://www.iapac.org/
Johns Hopkins HIV Guide
Description:
This Web site of the Johns Hopkins AIDS
Service is a resource for physicians and other
health care professionals who provide care and
treatment to people living with HIV. The site
features an excellent multi-media presentation
on HIV drug resistance, an HIV/AIDS Continuing
MedecalN&ducateo8N(CM&)Nsecteo8RNaN[N&NA
Forum for both clinicians and patients, and the
ABX Guide to Antibiotics.
E-mail:
feedback@hopkins-hivguide.org
Web:
http://www.hopkins-hivguide.org/
162
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS)
20RNAfe8ueNAppea
CHSU2UUNGe8efaN2W
Switzerland
Description:
UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme
on HIV/AIDS, is an innovative joint venture of
the United Nations family, bringing together
theNeffortsNa8dNresourcesNofNU0N•NNsystem
organizations in AIDS response to help the
world prevent new HIV infections, care for
people living with HIV, and mitigate the impact
of the epidemic.
With its headquarters in Geneva,
Switzerland, the UNAIDS Secretariat works
o8NtheNgrou8dNe8NmoreNtha8NX0Ncou8trees
worldwide. Coherent action on AIDS by the
UN system is coordinated in countries through
the UN theme groups and the joint programs
on AIDS.
UNAIDS helps mount and support an
expanded response to AIDS – one that engages
the efforts of many sectors and partners from
government and civil society.
International
Callers:
41–22–791–3666
Fax:
41–22–791–4187
Multilingual:
Spa8eshRNFre8chRN]ussea8
E-mail:
rtdata@unaids.org
Web:
http://www.unaids.org/
163
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
Kaiser Family Foundation
2400NSa8dNHellN]oad
Me8loNParkRNCANY4025
or
U330NGNStreetRNNW
Washe8gto8RNDCN20005
Description:
The Kaiser Family Foundation Web site
publishes
The Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report
,
which summarizes news stories and provides
links to the original articles. The
Kaiser Daily HIV/
AIDS Report
covers legislative, political, legal,
scientific, and business developments in HIV/
A*DS.N*ssuesNe8cludeNMedecareNreformRNMedecaedR
patients’ rights, access, the uninsured, minority
health, children’s health, and health care
advertising.
Phone:
CA 650–854–9400; DC 202–347–5270
Fax:
CA 650–854–4800; DC 202–347–5274
E-mail:
info@kaisernetwork.org
Web:
http://www.kff.org/hivaids/
Tufts School of Medicine
Nutrition and HIV Research
U50NHarreso8NAfe8ue
JaharesN2
Bosto8RNMAN02UUU
Description:
This Web site focuses on the role of good
nutrition in living with HIV/AIDS. Information
about good nutrition, lipodystrophy,
unintentional weight loss (wasting) or gain,
nausea, fatigue, and food and water safety are
just a few of the diverse topics this site covers.
Phone:
617–636–3811
Fax:
617–636–3810
E-mail:
med-nutrition-infection@tufts.edu
Web:
http://www.tufts.edu/med/nutrition-infection/hiv/
164
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directories
(NASTAD)
444NNorthNCapetolNStreetRNNW
SueteN33Y
Washe8gto8RNDCN2000U
Description:
NASTAD is a nonprofit national association of state
health department HIV/AIDS program directors
who are responsible for administering HIV/AIDS
health care, prevention, education, and supportive
services programs funded by state and Federal
governments. The NASTAD Web site provides
online access to health department contact
information through its
State HIV Program Directory
,
wheche8cludese8formateo8forthe50•8etedStatesR
theDestrectofColumbeaRPuerto]ecoRthe•.S.cerge8
Islands, and the U.S. Pacific Islands.
Phone:
202–434–8090
Fax:
202–434–8092
E-mail:
nastad@nastad.org
Web:
http://www.nastad.org
National Clinician’s Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline
(PEPLine) (for health care providers only)
University of California San Francisco (UCSF)
Bo5NU3V5
San Francisco, CA 94143–1365
Description:
PEPline offers clinicians up-to-the-minute
advice on managing occupational exposures
to HIV, hepatitis viruses, and other blood-borne
pathogens. Emergency calls made during
evening, weekend, and holiday hours are
forwarded to on-call clinicians. Nonemergency
calls will be returned during business hours.
Toll-Free:
888–448–4911
Hours:
24NhoursTWNdays
Fax:
415–476–3454
Web:
http://www.nccc.ucsf.edu/Hotlines/PEPline.html
165
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
Perinatal Hotline (for health care providers only)
University of California San Francisco (UCSF)
Bo5NU3V5
San Francisco, CA 94143–1365
Description:
The National Perinatal HIV Consultation and
]eferralNSerfeceN(Pere8atalNHotle8e)NprofedesNfree
24ShourNcle8ecalNco8sultateo8Na8dNadfeceNfor
treating HIV-infected pregnant women and their
infants. Staff will also discuss indications for and
interpretations of rapid and standard HIV testing
in pregnancy.
Toll-Free:
888–448–8765
Hours:
24NhoursTWNdays
Fax:
415–476–3454
Web:
http://www.nccc.ucsf.edu/Hotlines/Perinatal.html
WARMLINE (for health care providers only)
University of California San Francisco (UCSF)
Bo5NU3V5
San Francisco, CA 94143–1365
Description:
The National HIV Telephone Consultation Service
(Warmline) offers physicians and other health care
providers up-to-the-minute HIV clinical information
and individualized expert case consultation across
the broad range of clinical HIV/AIDS problems.
The Warmline is a free service staffed by clinicians
experienced in HIV care.
Toll-Free:
800–993–3413
(coeceNmaelNafaelableN24NhoursTWNdays)
Hours:
Monday–Friday, 5 a.m.–5 p.m., P.S.T
Fax:
415–476–3454
Web:
http://www.nccc.ucsf.edu/Hotlines/Warmline.html
166
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
Women, Children, and HIV—Resources for Prevention
and Treatment
Sponsored by The François-Xavier Bagnoud Center (FXBC) of the
•8efersetyNofNMedece8eNa8dNDe8testryNofNNewNJerseyN(•MDNJ)
and
The Center for HIV Information
University of California San Francisco (UCSF)
SchoolNofNMedece8e
Description:
This Web site provides resources on the
prevention and treatment of HIV infection
in women and children for health workers,
program managers, and policy makers in
resource-poor settings. This FXBC program:
• disseminates state-of-the-art clinical
information and training resources on mother-
toScheldNtra8smesseo8N(MTCT)NofNH*cNa8d
related topics,
• communicates the best practices in prevention
ofNmotherStoScheldNtra8smesseo8N(PMTCT)Nof
HIV and caring for infected children,
• disseminates PMTCT program resource
materials,
• disseminates state-of-the-art clinical
information and training resources on
perinatally acquired pediatric HIV infection,
and
• implements services responsive to the needs
of the CDC Global AIDS Program (CDC/GAP).
Spanish:
Yes
Local:
973–972–0410
Fax:
973–972–0399
E-mail:
Editor@WomenChildrenHIV.org
Web:
http://www.womenchildrenhiv.org
167
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Additional Resour
ces
World Health Organization (WHO)
Afe8ueNAppeaN20
U2UUNGe8efaN2W
Switzerland
Description:
As the directing and coordinating authority
on international health, the World Health
Organization (WHO) takes the lead within the
UN system on the global health sector response
to HIV/AIDS. The WHO HIV/AIDS Program
provides evidence-based, technical support to
WHONMemberNStatesNtoNhelpNthemNscaleNup
treatment, care, and prevention services and
maintain and increase access to drugs and
diagnostics. This is to ensure a comprehensive
and sustainable response to HIV/AIDS. The
WHO Web site has fact sheets and technical
publications about HIV/AIDS as well as
international statistics and guidelines by country.
The site also links to the individual WHO HIV/
AIDS Web sites by region.
International
+ 41–22–791–2111
Callers:
Fax:
+ 41–22–791–3111
Multilingual:
Spa8eshRNFre8chRN]ussea8RNArabecRNChe8ese
E-mail:
info@who.int
Web:
http://www.who.int/topics/hiv_aids/en
168
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Abbr
evations
A
AACTG
Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group
ACTG
AIDS Clinical Trials Group
ADAP
AIDS Drug Assistance Program
ADC
AIDS Dementia Complex
AD]
AdferseNDrugN]eacteo8
AE
Adverse Event
AETC
AIDS Education and Training Center
AH][
Age8cyNforNHealthcareN]esearchNa8dN[ualety
AIDS
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
A*&D]P
AcuteNH*cN*8fecteo8Na8dN&arlyNDeseases
]esearchNProgram
ALT
Alanine Transaminase
APC
Antigen-Presenting Cell
A]C
A*DSS]elatedNComple5
A]S
AcuteN]etroferalNSy8drome
A]T
A8teretroferalNTherapy
A]c
A8teretroferal
ASO
AIDS Service Organization
AST
Aspartate Aminotransferase
AUC
Area Under the Curve
AVN
Avascular Necrosis
B
B2M
BetaS2NMecroglobule8
bDNA
Branched-Chain DNA
B]M
BeologecalN]espo8seNModefeer
169
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Abbr
evations
C
CAM
Compleme8taryNa8dNAlter8atefeNMedece8e
CARE
Comprehe8sefeNA*DSN]esourcesN&merge8cy
CBC
Complete Blood Count
CBO
Community-Based Organization
CCR5
Chemoke8eN]eceptorN5
CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CIN
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
CIPD
Chronic Idiopathic Demyelinating
Polyneuropathy
CIPRA
Comprehensive International Program of
]esearchNo8NA*DS
CMAX
Ma5emumNCo8ce8trateo8
CMIN
Me8emumNCo8ce8trateo8
CMS
Ce8tersNforNMedecareNa8dNMedecaedNSerfeces
CMV
Cytomegalovirus
CNS
Central Nervous System
CPCRA
Commu8etyNProgramsNforNCle8ecalN]esearchNo8
AIDS
CSF
Cerebrospinal Fluid
CTL
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte
CXCR4
Chemoke8eN]eceptorN4
CYP450
CytochromeNP450
D
DAART
Directly Administered Antiretroviral Therapy
DAIDS
Division of Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome
DEXA
DualN&8ergyNXS]ayNAbsorpteometry
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
DOT
Directly Observed Therapy
DRESS
DrugN]ashNwethN&ose8opheleaNa8dNSystemec
Symptoms
DSMB
DataNa8dNSafetyNMo8etore8gNBoard
170
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Abbr
evations
E
EBV
Epstein-Barr Virus
EF
Eosinophilic Folliculitis
ELISA
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
F
FDA
Food and Drug Administration
FDC
Follicular Dendritic Cell
G
GART
Ge8otypecNA8teretroferalN]esesta8ceNTest
G-CSF
Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor
GGT
Gamma-Glutamyltransferase
GI
Gastrointestinal
GM-CSF
Gra8ulocyteNMacrophageSColo8yNStemulate8g
Factor
gp
Glycoprotein
H
HAART
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
HBV
Hepatitis B Virus
HCFA
Health Care Financing Administration
HCV
Hepatitis C Virus
HELLP
Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzyme Levels, and
Low Platelet Count
HGH
Human Growth Hormone
HHS
Department of Health and Human Services
HHV
Human Herpesvirus
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HLA
Human Leukocyte Antigen
HPTN
HIV Prevention Trials Network
HPV
Human Papillomavirus
HRSA
HealthN]esourcesNa8dNSerfecesNAdme8estrateo8
171
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Abbr
evations
HSV
Herpes Simplex Virus
HTLV-I
Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type I
HVTN
HIV Vaccine Trials Network
I
IDU
Injection Drug User
IFN
Interferon
IG
Immunoglobulin
IHS
Indian Health Service
IL
Interleukin
IM
Intramuscular
IMPAACT
*8ter8ateo8alNMater8alNPedeatrecNAdolesce8tNA*DS
Clinical Trials Network
IND
Investigational New Drug
INSIGHT
International Network for Strategic Initiatives in
Global HIV Trials
IRB
*8stetuteo8alN]efeewNBoard
IRIS
*mmu8eN]eco8stetuteo8N*8flammatoryNSy8drome
IRS
*mmu8eN]eco8stetuteo8NSy8drome
ITP
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura
IV
Intravenous
IVIG
Intravenous Immunoglobulin
K
KS
Kaposi’s Sarcoma
KSHV
Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus
L
LAS
Lymphadenopathy Syndrome
LGV
Lymphogranuloma Venereum
LIP
Lymphoid Interstitial Pneumonitis
172
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Abbr
evations
M
MAC
Mycobacterium Avium
Complex
MACS
Multece8terNA*DSNCohortNStudy
MAI
Mycobacterium Avium-Intracellulare
MDR-TB
MultepleNDrugS]esesta8tNTuberculoses
MEMS
Medecateo8N&fe8tNMo8etore8gNSystem
MHC
MajorNHestocompatebeletyNComple5
MRI
Mag8etecN]eso8a8ceN*mage8g
mRNA
Messe8gerN]NA
MSM
Me8NWhoNHafeNSe5NwethNMe8
MTCT
MotherStoSCheldNTra8smesseo8
MTN
MecrobecedeNTrealsNNetwork
N
NAM
NucleosedeSAssoceatedN]esesta8ceNMutateo8
NCI
National Cancer Institute
NDA
New Drug Application
NHL
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
NIAID
National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases
NIH
National Institutes of Health
NK Cell
Natural Killer Cell
NLM
Nateo8alNbebraryNofNMedece8e
NM
Nemale8eN]odNMyopathy
NNRTI
No8SNucleosedeN]eferseNTra8screptaseN*8hebetor
NPIN
National Prevention Information Network
NRTI
NucleosedeTNucleotedeN]eferse
Transcriptase Inhibitor
NSAID
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
O
OAR
OffeceNofNA*DSN]esearch
OBT
Optimized Background Therapy
OHL
Oral Hairy Leukoplakia
OI
Opportunistic Infection
173
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Abbr
evations
P
PACTG
Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group
PBMC
PerepheralNBloodNMo8o8uclearNCell
PCP
Pneumocystis jiroveci
Pneumonia
PCR
PolymeraseNChae8N]eacteo8
PEP
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
PEPFAR
President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
PGL
Persistent Generalized Lymphadenopathy
PHS
Public Health Service
PID
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PI
Protease Inhibitor
PLWA
People Living with AIDS
PMTCT
Prefe8teo8NofNMotherStoSCheldNTra8smesseo8
PML
ProgressefeNMultefocalNbeukoe8cephalopathy
PNS
Peripheral Nervous System
PPD
Purified Protein Derivative
PrEP
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
R
RNA
]ebo8ucleecNAced
RT
]eferseNTra8screptase
RT-PCR
]eferseNTra8screptaseSPolymeraseNChae8
]eacteo8
S
SAMHSA
Substa8ceNAbuseNa8dNMe8talNHealthNSerfeces
Administration
SAT
Self-Administered Therapy
SAT
Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue
SC
Subcutaneous
SEVI
Semen-Derived Enhancer of Virus Infection
SGOT
Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase
SGPT
Serum Glutamic Pyruvate Transaminase
SIT
Structured Intermittent Therapy
174
HIV/AIDS Glossary
SIV
Simian Immunodeficiency Virus
SJS
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
STD
Sexually Transmitted Disease
STI
Structured Treatment Interruption
STI
Sexually Transmitted Infection
T
TAM
Thymede8eNA8alogueNMutateo8s
TAT
Total Adipose Tissue
TB
Tuberculosis
TDM
TherapeutecNDrugNMo8etore8g
TEN
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
TI
Therapeutic Index
U
UD VL
Undetectable Viral Load
V
VAT
Visceral Adipose Tissue
VL
Viral Load
VZV
carecellaNZosterNcerus
W
WHO
World Health Organization
WIHS
Women’s Interagency HIV Study
XYZ
XDR-TB
&5te8sefelyNDrugS]esesta8tNTuberculoses
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176
HIV/AIDS Glossary
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Office of AIDS Research (OAR)
www.nih.gov/od/oar
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases (NIAID)
www3.8eaed.8eh.gof
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
www.nlm.nih.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
www.cms.hhs.gov
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
www.hrsa.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
www.cdc.gov
AIDSinfo.nih.gov
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