STOP The Silence

Term	Abbr.	See Also	Source
ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME	AIDS	HIV Disease Opportunistic Infection AIDS Wasting Syndrome	The most severe manifestation of infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In an adult or adolescent, it is characterized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as numerous opportunistic infections and cancers and/or CD4+ T-cell count =200 (Normal = 500-1500) cells per micro liter in the presence of HIV infection.
ACUTE HIV INFECTION		HIV Disease Opportunistic Infection AIDS Wasting Syndrome	The period of rapid viral replication immediately following exposure to HIV. An estimated 80 to 90 percent of individuals with primary HIV infection develop an acute syndrome characterized by flu-like symptoms of fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy, pharyngitis, headache, myalgia, and sometimes rash. Following primary infection, seroconversion and a broad HIV-1 specific immune response occur, usually within an average of 3 weeks after transmission of HIV. It was previously thought that HIV was relatively dormant during this phase. However, it is now known that during the time of primary infection, high levels of plasma HIV RNA can be documented.
AIDS WASTING SYNDROME		AIDS	A syndrome in HIV infected individuals with AIDS characterized by: involuntary weight loss of 10 percent of baseline body weight plus either chronic diarrhea (two loose stools per day for more than 30 days) or chronic weakness and documented fever (for 30 days or more, intermittent or constant) that can not be explained by an illness or condition other than HIV infection.
AIDSDRUGS			An online database service of the National Library of Medicine, with information about drugs undergoing testing against AIDS, AIDS-related complex, and related opportunistic diseases. Internet address: http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/drugs/
ANATOMY			The study of the structure of an organism (plant or animal) and the relationship between its parts. The constituent structure of something.
ANEMIA			A lower than normal number of red blood cells.
ANTIBIOTIC			A natural or synthetic substance that inhibits the growth of micro-organisms such as bacteria or fungi. Some antibiotics are used to treat infectious diseases.
ANTIBODIES			Molecules in the blood or other body fluids that tag, destroy, or neutralize bacteria, viruses, or other harmful toxins (antigens). They are members of a class of proteins known as immunoglobulins, which are produced and secreted by B-lymphocytes in response to stimulation by antigens. An antibody is specific to an antigen.
ANTIGEN			Any substance that antagonizes or stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies. Often a foreign substance such as pollen, bacteria or viruses that invade the body.
ANTIRETROVIRAL AGENTS			Substances used to kill or inhibit the multiplication of retroviruses such as HIV.
ANTIVIRAL			Any substance or process that destroys a virus or suppresses its replication.
AZT	AZT	Zidovudine	An abbreviation for Zidovudine, on of the first antiretroviral agents used in the treatment of HIV.
BODY FLUIDS			Any fluid in the human body, such as blood, urine, saliva (spit), sputum, tears, semen, mother's milk, or vaginal secretions. Only blood, semen, mother's milk, and vaginal secretions have been linked directly to the transmission of HIV.
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION	CDC		The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency with the mission to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. CDC operates 11 Centers including the National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention. CDC assesses the status and characteristics of the HIV epidemic and conducts epidemiologic, laboratory, and surveillance investigations. Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/
CERVIXES		CERVIX	The lower, cylindrical terminus of the uterus that juts into the vagina and contain a narrow canal connecting the upper and lower parts of a woman's reproductive tract
CHANCROID			A highly contagious sexually transmitted disease caused by the Haemophilus ducreyi bacterium with symptoms appearing 3 to 5 days after exposure. It appears as a tender papule that becomes postural and then ulcerative.
CHLAMYDIA			A sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis that infects the genital tract. The infection is frequently asymptomatic (i.e., shows no symptoms), but if left untreated, it can cause sterility in women.
CMV	CMV	CYTOMEGALOVIRUS	An abbreviation for Cytomegalovirus. A common Herpes virus that manifests in individuals with weakened immune systems.
CMV RETINITIS	CMV RETINITIS	Cytomegalovirus Retinitis	An eye disease common among persons who are living with HIV. Without treatment, persons with CMV retinitis can lose their vision. CMV infection can affect both eyes and is the most common cause of blindness among persons with AIDS.
COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION	CBO		A service organization that provides social services at the local level
CONDYLOMA			A wart-like skin growth usually on the external genitalia or perianal area.
COOMBIVIR	AZT, ZDV, RETROVIR	ZIDOVUDINE	A nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor first approved by FDA in 1987 and used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV infection in adults and children 3 months to 12 years of age. Also FDA approved (08/08/094) for use in HIV-infected pregnant women beginning between 14 and 34 weeks gestation and during labor and for use in newborn babies of HIV-infected mothers. Also called AZT, ZDV, and Retrovir and available with Lamivudine as Combivir.
CRYPTOCCAL MENINGITIS			A life-threatening fungal infection of the membranes (meninges) that line the brain and the spinal cord. The organism (Cryptococcus neoformans) is commonly found in the soil and infected bird droppings, but does not cause disease in healthy individuals.
CRYPTOCOCCOSIS		Cryptococcal Meningitis	An Infectious Disease Due To The Fungus Cryptococcus Neoformans, Which Is Acquired Via The Respiratory Tract. It Can Spread From The Lungs To The Central Nervous System (Especially The Membranes Surrounding The Brain), The Skin, The Skeletal System, And The Urinary Tract. It Is Considered An AIDS Defining Opportunistic Infection In Persons Infected With HIV.
CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS			An opportunistic parasitic infection of the bowels causing severe chronic diarrhea (Six to 29 bowel movements per day). Seen mainly in immuno-compromised individuals (i.e. late stage HIV infection where immunological deterioration has progressed).
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM		Cryptosporidiosis	The protozoan (parasite Cryptosporidium parvum) which causes cryptosporidiosis. The parasite 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. The parasite grows in the intestines and in people with HIV disease causes cryptosporidiosis.
CYTOMEGALOVIRUS	CMV	Cytomegalovirus Retinitis	A common herpes virus that is a common cause of opportunistic diseases in persons with AIDS and other persons with immune suppression. Most adults in the U.S. have been infected by CMV; however the virus does not cause disease in healthy people. Because the virus remains in the body for life, it can cause disease if the immune system becomes severely damaged or suppressed by drugs. While CMV can infect most organs of the body, persons with AIDS are most susceptible to CMV retinitis (disease of the eye) and colitis (disease of the colon).
CYTOMEGALOVIRUS RETINTIS	CMV RETITNITIS		An eye disease common among persons who are living with HIV. Without treatment, persons with CMV retinitis can lose their vision. CMV infection can affect both eyes and is the most common cause of blindness among persons with AIDS.
DENTAL DAMS			A latex barrier used by dentist to prevent blood-to-blood contact during dental procedures. In the prevention of spreading of STD's and HIV, it can be used as a protective barrier for safer sexual practices (oral sex).
DIARRHEA			Uncontrolled, loose, and frequent bowel movements caused by diet, infection, medication, and irritation or inflammation of the intestine. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to weight loss and malnutrition. The excessive loss of fluid that may occur with AIDS-related diarrhea can be life threatening.
ENDEMIC			Pertaining to diseases associated with particular locales or population groups.
EPIDEMIC			A disease that spreads rapidly through a demographic segment of the human population, such as everyone in a given geographic area; a military base, or similar population unit; or everyone of a certain age or sex, such as the children or women of a region. Epidemic diseases can be spread from person to person or from a contaminated source such as food or water.
EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS	EBV		A herpes-like virus that causes one of the two kinds of mononucleosis (the other is caused by CMV). It infects the nose and throat and is contagious. EBV lies dormant in the lymph glands and has been associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and hairy leukoplakia.
FUSION INHIBITOR			A class of antiretroviral agents that binds to the gp41 envelope protein and blocks the structural changes necessary for the virus to fuse with the host CD4 cell. When the virus cannot penetrate the host cell membrane and infect the cell, HIV replication within that host cell is prevented.
GENE			A unit of DNA that carries information for the biosynthesis of a specific product in the cell. 2. Ultimate unit by which inheritable characteristics are transmitted to succeeding generations in all living organisms. Genes are contained by, and arranged along the length of, the chromosome. Alteration of either gene number or arrangement can result in mutation (a change in the inheritable traits).
GENETICS		GENE	The branch of science concerned with the means and consequences of transmission and generation of the components of biological inheritance.
GENITAL TRACT			Genitourinary Tract: Also genitourinary system, urogenital tract or system; organs concerned with the production and excretion of urine and those concerned with reproduction.
GENITAL WARTS		Condyloma	A wart-like skin growth usually on the external genitalia or perianl area.
GONORRHEA			An infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Although gonorrhea is considered primarily a sexually transmitted disease it can also be transmitted to newborns during the birth process.
HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION	HRSA		A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency that directs national health programs which improve the health of the Nation by assuring quality health care to underserved, vulnerable, and special-need populations and by promoting appropriate health professions workforce capacity and practice, particularly in primary care and public health. Among other functions, HRSA administers the Ryan White CARE Act Titles I, II, III(b), IV, SPNS, and AETCs to provide treatment and services for those affected by HIV/AIDS. HRSA administers programs to demonstrate how communities can organize their health care resources to develop an integrated, comprehensive, culturally competent system to care for those with AIDS and HIV infection. HRSA also administers education and training programs for health care providers and community service workers who care for persons living with HIV or AIDS. Internet address http://www.hrsa.gov/
HEPATITIS			An inflammation of the liver. May be caused by bacterial or viral infection, parasitic infestation, alcohol, drugs, toxins, or transfusion of incompatible blood. There are four major types of viral hepatitis: 1. hepatitis A, 2. hepatitis B, 3. non-A, non-B hepatitis, 4. delta hepatitis.
HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS 1	HSV-1		A virus that causes cold sores or fever blisters on the mouth or around the eyes, and can be transmitted to the genital region. Stress, trauma, other infections, or suppression of the immune system can reactivate the latent virus.
HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS 2	HSV-2		A virus causing painful sores of the anus or genitals that may lie dormant in nerve tissue. It can be reactivated to produce symptoms. HSV-II may be transmitted to a newborn child during birth from an infected mother, causing retardation and/or other serious complications. HSV-II is a precursor of cervical cancer.
HERPES VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS	VZV		The varicella virus causes chicken pox in children and may reappear in adults as herpes zoster. Also called shingles, herpes zoster consists of very painful blisters on the skin that follow nerve pathways.
HERPES VIRUSES		CMV, EBV, HSV-2, HSV-1, VZV, HHV-6, HHV-8	A group of viruses that includes herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6), and HHV-8, a herpes virus associated with Kaposi's Sarcoma
HIV DISEASE		Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1	HIV disease is, therefore, characterized by a gradual deterioration of immune functions. During the course of infection, crucial immune cells, called CD4+ T cells, are disabled and killed, and their numbers progressively decline.
HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS TYPE 1	HIV-1		The retrovirus isolated and recognized as the etiologic (i.e., causing or contributing to the cause of a disease) agent of AIDS. HIV-1 is classified as a lentivirus in a subgroup of retroviruses. 2. The genetic material of a retrovirus such as HIV is the RNA itself. HIV inserts its own RNA into the host cell's DNA, preventing the host cell from carrying out its natural functions and turning it into an HIV factory
HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS TYPE 2	HIV-2		A retrovirus closely related to HIV-1 that has also been found to cause AIDS. Although HIV-1 and HIV-2 are similar in their viral structure, modes of transmission, and resulting opportunistic infections, they have differed in their geographic patterns of infection.
HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS	HPV		HPV is transmitted through sexual contact and is the virus that causes genital warts and plays a causative role in cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer.
IMMUNE SYSTEM			The body's complicated natural defense against disruption caused by invading foreign agents (e.g., microbes, viruses). There are two aspects of the immune system's response to disease: innate and acquired. The innate part of the response is mobilized very quickly in response to infection and does not depend on recognizing specific proteins or antigens foreign to an individual's normal tissue. It includes complements, macrophages, dendritic cells, and granulocytes. The acquired, or learned, immune response arises when dendritic cells and macrophages present pieces of antigen to lymphocytes, which are genetically programmed to recognize very specific amino acid sequences. The ultimate result is the creation of cloned populations of antibody-producing B cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes primed to respond to a unique pathogen.
INFECTION			The state or condition in which an infectious agent (e.g., a bacterium, fungus, or virus) invades the body (or part of the body) multiplies and produces an injurious effect (active infection).
INFECTIOUS			An infection capable of being transmitted by direct or intimate contact (e.g., sex).
INTRAVENOUS	IV		Of or pertaining to the inside of a vein, as of a thrombus. 2. An injection made directly into a vein.
MULTIPLE DRUG RESISTANT TB*			A tuberculosis infection that is able to withstand more than one of the medications to which it was formerly sensitive.
OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTION*		AIDS	Infections that occur in individuals with weak immune systems, due to AIDS, cancer or immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids or chemotherapeutic agents. (PCP) Pneumocystis Carini Pneumonia, toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus are all examples of OIs.
ORAL-GENITAL			Pertaining to the mouth and reproductive organ of either male or female.
PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE	PID		Gynecological condition caused by an infection (usually sexually transmitted) that spreads from the vagina to the upper parts of a woman's reproductive tract in the pelvic cavity. PID takes different courses in different women, but can cause abscesses and constant pain almost anywhere in the genital tract. If left untreated, it can cause infertility or more frequent periods. Severe cases may even spread to the liver and kidneys, causing dangerous internal bleeding and death.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION			An individual's erotic, romantic, and affection preferences; attraction to people of the same sex, to the opposite sex, or to both sexes. Bisexuality. Erotic, romantic and affection preferences; attraction to people of both sexes. Heterosexuality. Erotic, romantic and affection preferences; attraction to people of the opposite sex. Homosexuality. Erotic, romantic and affection preferences; attraction to people of the same sex.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE	STD		Also called venereal disease (VD) (an older public health term) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Sexually transmitted diseases are infections spread by the transfer of organisms from persons during sexual contact.
STD		SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE	Also called venereal disease (VD) (an older public health term) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Sexually transmitted diseases are infections spread by the transfer of organisms from persons during sexual contact.
SYNDROME			A group of symptoms as reported by the patient and signs as detected in an examination that together are characteristic of a specific condition.
SYPHILIS			A primarily sexually transmitted disease resulting from infection with the spirochete (a bacterium), Treponema pallidum. Syphilis can also be acquired in the uterus during pregnancy.
TRANSFUSION - 1			The process of transfusing fluid (such as blood) into a vein. 2. The transfer of compatible whole blood or blood products from one individual to another.
TRANSMISSION			In the context of HIV disease, transmission is the spread of HIV from one source to another, most commonly spread via sexual contact. Also spread via injection with infected needles and through infected blood or blood products. For transmission to occur with HIV, the host's mucosal surfaces (vagina, vulva, penis, rectum or mouth) or blood stream must be exposed to the virus. HIV is rarely spread by transfusions of blood or blood products due to improved screening measures. Children exposed to infected breast milk may contract the disease.
TUBERCULOSIS	TB	Multiple Drug Resistant TB.	A bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB bacteria are spread by airborne droplets expelled from the lungs when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks. The immune defenses of healthy people usually prevent TB infection from spreading beyond a very small area of the lungs. If the body's immune system is impaired because of HIV infection, aging, malnutrition, or other factors, the TB bacterium may begin to spread more widely in the lungs or to other tissues. TB is seen with increasing frequency among HIV-infected persons. Most cases of TB occur in the lungs (pulmonary TB). However, the disease may also occur in the larynx, lymph nodes, brain, kidneys, or bones (extrapulmonary TB). Extrapulmonary TB infections are more common among persons living with HIV.
VACCINE		Therapeutic HIV Vaccine Antigen	A substance that contains antigenic components from an infectious micro-organism. By stimulating an immune response -but not the disease-it protects against subsequent infection by that organism. There can be preventive vaccines (e.g., measles or mumps) as well as therapeutic (treatment) vaccines.
ZIDOVUDINE	ZDV, AZT		A nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor first approved by FDA in 1987 and used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV infection in adults and children 3 months to 12 years of age. Also FDA approved (08/08/094) for use in HIV-infected pregnant women beginning between 14 and 34 weeks gestation and during labor and for use in newborn babies of HIV-infected mothers. Also called AZT, ZDV, and Retrovir and available with Lamivudine as Combivir.