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Terms for subject Medical (3018 entries)

syndrome	A group of symptoms or conditions that occur together and are collectively associated with a specific disease or with the risk of developing a specific disease.
quasispecies	A group of viruses found in the same host. The viruses in the group develop similar genetic mutations over time. During HIV infection, HIV can mutate into multiple quasispecies, which may reduce the immune system's ability to control HIV infection. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) started in the early stages of HIV infection can control HIV replication and development of quasispecies.
titer	A laboratory measurement of the concentration of a substance in a solution. For example, an antibody titer measures the presence and amount of antibodies in the blood.
Sperm Washing	A laboratory procedure that involves "washing" semen from an HIV- infected man to separate the sperm from the fluid part of the semen. Because the seminal fluid contains the highest concentration of HIV, the "washed" sperm should not contain any HIV. Sperm washing can be considered as a reproductive option for an HIV discordant couple in which the man is the HIV-infected partner. Because sperm washing has not been proven completely effective, couples using the procedure should be counseled regarding the potential risks for transmission of HIV.
polymerase chain reaction (PCR)	A laboratory technique used to produce large amounts of specific DNA fragments. PCR is used for genetic testing and to diagnose disease.
viral load test	A laboratory test that measures the amount of HIV in a blood sample. Results are reported as the number of copies of HIV RNA per milliliter of blood. Examples of viral load tests include quantitative branched DNA (bDNA) reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and qualitative transcription-mediated amplification. Viral load tests are used to diagnose acute HIV infection, guide treatment choices, and monitor response to antiretroviral therapy (ART)
syncytium	A large cell-like structure that forms when many cells fuse together. Syncytia can form during viral infection. In some people with HIV, syncytia formation has been linked to more rapid progression of HIV infection.
protein	A large molecule made up of a series of peptides—one or more long chains of amino acids. The specific sequence of the amino acids determines the protein's structure and function. Proteins are essential to all living organisms.
salmonella septicemia	A life-threatening Salmonella infection that has spread to the bloodstream. Salmonella septicemia can be caused by any of the Salmonella bacteria, which are found in contaminated food and water. The infection is systemic and affects virtually every organ system. The most common symptom is a fever that comes and goes. In people with HIV, recurrent Salmonella septicemia is an AIDS-defining condition.
thrombocytopenia	A lower-than-normal number of blood platelets.
self-administered therapy (SAT)	A method of drug administration in which a person takes medication without being observed by a health care professional.
virus	A microscopic infectious agent that requires a living host cell in order to replicate. Viruses often cause disease in humans, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, influenza, and the common cold. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
true negative	A negative test result that correctly indicates that the condition being tested for is not present. For example, a true negative HIV test correctly indicates that a person is not infected with HIV
vacuolar myelopathy	A neurological disorder associated with advanced HIV infection. Vacuolar myelopathy causes the protective myelin sheath to pull away from nerve cells of the spinal cord, forming small holes (vacuoles) in nerve fibers. Symptoms of vacuolar myelopathy include weak and stiff legs and unsteadiness when walking.
shingles	A non-contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV or HHV-3) VZV is the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus remains in the nervous system of people who have had chickenpox, and it can become active years later to cause shingles. Symptoms of shingles can include numbness, itching, and severe pain that is followed by a rash of blister-like lesions along one side of the body. The pain can persist for weeks, months, or years after the rash heals. People with HIV are more at risk for shingles than people with healthy immune systems.
seborrheic dermatitis	A non-contagious inflammatory skin condition characterized by flaky, white to yellowish scales on various areas of the body, including the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, ears, and trunk. Seborrheic dermatitis can occur with or without redness. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but it may be due to an overproduction of skin oil combined with irritation from a yeast. Factors that might increase the risk of seborrheic dermatitis include family history, stress, fatigue, use of alcohol-containing lotions, skin disorders, obesity, HIV infection, and certain neurologic conditions.
drug holiday	A planned break from treatment, during which a person stops taking medications. Structured treatment interruptions (STIs) may be used to reduce toxic effects of medications, to enhance a medication's effectiveness when restarted, or as a step towards stopping treatment all together. Structured interruption of HIV treatment is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials.
structured treatment interruption (STI)	A planned break from treatment, during which a person stops taking medications. Structured treatment interruptions (STIs) may be used to reduce toxic effects of medications, to enhance a medication's effectiveness when restarted, or as a step towards stopping treatment all together. Structured interruption of HIV treatment is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials.
true positive	A positive test result that correctly indicates that the condition being tested for is present. For example, a true positive HIV test correctly indicates that a person is infected with HIV.
lumbar puncture	A procedure in which a needle is inserted into the lower region of the spinal cord to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) The CSF is examined in a laboratory to diagnose and monitor certain infections. A spinal tap may also be performed to inject drugs or to reduce spinal fluid pressure.