Download HIV for Health Professionals: An Introduction

HIV for Health Professionals:
An Introduction
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ACRONYMS
ADC
AIDS Dementia Complex
AIDS
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
AIDS related
conditions
Range of diseases and cancers present as a result of a compromised
immune system due to HIV infection.
Alopecia
A disease in which the hair falls out – baldness; absence of the hair
from skin areas where it normally is present.
ALT
Alanine aminotransferase. An enzyme that transfers amino acid groups
and whose serum concentration is increased in viral hepatitis (and
myocardial infarction).
Amniocentesis
Percutaneous transabdominal puncture of the uterus to obtain amniotic
fluid.
Amniotic fluid
Fluid surrounding the embryo and later the foetus.
Amplicor
One type of viral load test currently available.
Anaemia
Any condition in which the number of red blood cells per cubic
millimetre, the amount of haemoglobin in 100 ml of blood and the
volume of packed red blood cells per 100 ml of blood are less than
normal.
Angular chelitis
Inflammation and fissuring radiating from the commissures of the mouth
secondary to predisposing factors such as lost vertical dimension in
denture wearers, nutritional deficiencies, atopic dermatitis, or Candida
albicans infection.
Anorexia
A mental disorder occurring predominantly in females, having onset
usually in adolescence and characterised by refusal to maintain a
normal minimal body weight.
Antibodies
(Immunoglobulins)
A chemical substance produced to inhibit the growth of or to kill other
microorganisms. (Immunoglobulins – any of the structurally related
glycoproteins that function as antibodies).
Antigen
Any substance which is capable of inducing a specific immune
response and of reacting with the products of that response, that is, with
specific antibody or specifically sensitised T-lymphocytes, or both.
Arthralgia
Pain in a joint
Autoimmune
antibodies
Pertaining to autoimmunity. Autoimmunity is a condition characterised
by a specific humoral or cell-mediated immune response against
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constituents of the body’s own tissues.
Bacteria
Member of a large group of unicellular microorganisms lacking
organelles and an organised nucleus, some of which are capable of
causing disease.
bDNA
Branched Chain DNA
Brachial neuritis
Also known as brachial plexus neuropathy or neuralgic amyotrophy, it is
a neurological disorder, of unknown cause, characterized by the sudden
onset of severe pain, usually about the shoulder and often beginning at
night, soon followed by weakness and wasting of various forequarter
muscles, particularly shoulder girdle muscles; both sporadic and familial
in occurrence with the former much more common.
CALD
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
Candidiasis
Infection with a fungus of the genus Candida, especially C. albicans. It
is usually a superficial infection of the moist cutaneous areas of the
body, although it becomes more severe in immunocompromised
patients. It most commonly involves the skin, oral mucous membranes,
oesophagus, respiratory tract and vagina.
cART
Combination Antiretroviral Therapy
CD4
A type of blood cell involved in protecting the body against viral, fungal
and protozoal infections. The cells are so named as they have a
particular marker, known as a CD4 receptor on their surfaces. CD4
cells are sometimes referred to as the ‘conductors’ of the immune
response as they orchestrate the responses of other cells. CD stands
for Cluster of Differentiation.
CD8
Similar to CD4 but responsible for a different aspect of the immune
system’s response.
CDC
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
Cerebral
toxoplasmosis
Disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii affecting
the brain. Usually, toxoplasmosis causes no symptoms. However, the
infection can be very serious, and even fatal, in individuals with
weakened immune systems.
CIN
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Cirrhosis
Progressive disease of the liver associated with failure in the function of
hepatic cells and interference with blood flow in the liver.
CMV retinitis
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a viral inflammation of the retina of
the eye caused by a member of a group of herpes-type viruses.
Usually, CMV produces no symptoms. However, serious CMV
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infections can occur in people who have weakened immune systems.
CNS
Central Nervous System
CSF
Cerebrospinal fluid
Cytokines
A generic term for non-antibody proteins released by primed Tlymphocytes on contact with specific antigen, which act as intercellular
mediators, as in the generation of an immune response.
Cytotoxic
The degree to which an agent possesses a specific destructive action
on certain cells or the possession of such action.
Dermatopathic
Pertaining or attributable to disease of the skin.
Desquamation
The shedding of epithelial elements, chiefly of the skin, in scales or
small sheets - exfoliation.
Diffuse urticaria
An eruption of itching wheals, usually of systemic origin; it may be due
to a state of hypersensitivity to foods or drugs, foci of infection, physical
agents (heat, cold, light, friction), or psychic stimuli – hives.
Disequilibrium
A disturbance or absence of equilibrium
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic Acid – the nucleic acid in which the sugar is
deoxyribose. Constitutes the primary genetic material of all cellular
organisms.
ELISA
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay – first test conducted for
presence of HIV antibodies.
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is an inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the brain,
usually caused by infections. Although most forms of encephalitis are
caused by viruses, bacteria can also cause this problem. AIDS patients
and various other high risk individuals throughout the world can develop
encephalitis due to parasites such as toxoplasmosis.
Env gene
A component gene of the structure of HIV
Envelope
glycoproteins
Those glycoproteins – conjugated proteins containing one or more
covalently linked carbohydrate residues – present in the envelope
surrounding and protecting the virus.
Enzyme-Linked
Immunosorbent
Assay
See ELISA
Erythematous
papular rash
A rash showing redness of the skin due to capillary dilatation with small,
circumscribed, solid elevation on the skin.
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FBC
Full Blood Count
Fibrosis
Formation of fibrous tissue as a repairing mechanism or reactive
process rather than formation of fibrous tissue as a normal process of
an organ or tissue.
Fundoscopy
Examination of the fundus of the eye by means of the ophthalmoscope.
Fungi
Plural of fungus.
Fusion Inhibitor
A class of HIV antiretroviral therapy. When HIV infects a cell, it
attaches to the outside of the cell. Then it "fuses" or joins itself with the
cell membrane. A Fusion inhibitor stops this process of fusion. This
means that HIV cannot infect that cell.
Gag gene
A component gene of the structure of HIV.
Gastrointestinal
Pertaining to or communicating with the stomach and intestine.
Genome
The complete gene complement of an organism, contained in a set of
chromosomes in eukaryotes, a single chromosome in bacteria, or a
DNA or RNA molecule in viruses.
Gingivitis
Inflammation of the gingivae. Gingivae – the gums: the mucous
membrane, with the supporting fibrous tissue, which overlies the crowns
of unerupted teeth and encircles the necks of those that have erupted.
Glycoprotein
Conjugated proteins containing one or more covalently linked
carbohydrate residues.
GP120
Glycoprotein 120. A protein found on the surface of HIV that initiates
entry of HIV into cells. It binds with CD4 molecules enabling gp41 to
fuse with the surface of CD4 cells.
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Guillain-Barre
syndrome
Acute febrile polyneuritis. Polyneuritis being a non-traumatic
generalised disorder of peripheral nerves, affecting the distal
fibres most severely with proximal shading (i.e., feet, before, or
more severe, than hands), and typically symmetrical; most often
affects motor and sensory fibres almost equally, but can involve
either one solely or very disproportionately.
HAART
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
HAD
HIV-Associated Dementia
HCPs
Health Care Professionals
HCWs
Health Care Workers
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HIV
Microvasculopathy
Microvasculature – the portion of the vasculature of the body
comprising the finer vessels, sometimes described as including all
vessels with an internal diameter of 100 microns or less.
HIV PCR
PCR – Polymerase Chain Reaction
HIV seroconverters
Seroconversion – the change of a serologic test from negative to
positive, indicating the development of antibodies in response to
infection or immunisation.
HIV-1
A strain of Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HIV-2
A strain of Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HLA
Human Leucocyte Antigens – histocompatibility antigens governed by
genes of the HLA complex (the human major histocompatibility
complex), a region on the short arm of chromosome 6 containing
several genetic loci, each having multiple alleles.
HSV
Herpes Simplex Virus
HSV retinitis
HSV – Herpes Simplex Virus. Retinitis – inflammation of the retina;
used in the older ophthalmological literature to denote impairment of
sight, perversion of vision, oedema, and exudation into the retina, and
occasionally by haemorrhages into the retina.
Hyperlipidaemia
The presence of an abnormally high concentration of lipids in the
circulating blood.
HZV
Herpes Zoster Virus
ID physician
Infectious Diseases Physician
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IgM
Immunoglobulin M
IL-2
See Interleukins
Immortalisation
The gaining of immunity to normal limitations on growth or life span,
sometimes achieved by animal cells in vitro or by tumour cells; causes
may be spontaneous mutation, exposure to chemical carcinogens, or
viral infection.
Immunodeficiency
A deficiency of immune response or a disorder characterised by
deficient immune response; classified as antibody (B cell), cellular (T
cell), combined deficiency, or phagocytic dysfunction disorders.
Infectivity
Infectiousness – the state or quality of being infectious.
Innate
Inborn; hereditary; congenital.
Integration
Assimilation; anabolic action or activity. In bacterial genetics,
assimilation of genetic material from one bacterium (donor) into the
chromosome of another (recipient).
Interferon
Any of a family of glycoproteins, production of which can be stimulated
by viral infection, by intracellular parasites, by protozoa, and by bacteria
and bacterial endotoxins, that exert antiviral activity and have
immunoregulatory functions; they also inhibit the growth of nonviral
intracellular parasites. Interferons are designated α, β, γ, and ω on the
basis of association with certain producer cells and functions; all animal
cells, however, can produce interferons and some cells can produce
more than one type.
Interleukins
A generic term for a group of multifunctional cytokines that are
produced by a variety of lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells and whose
effects occur at least partly within the lymphopoietic system; originally
believed to be produced chiefly by and to act chiefly upon leukocytes.
Kaposi’s sarcoma
KS. Kaposi’s sarcoma, varicelliform eruption. A multicentric, malignant
neoplastic vascular proliferation characterised by the development of
bluish-red cutaneous nodules, usually on the lower extremities, most
often on the toes or feet, and slowly increasing in size and number and
spreading to more proximal sites. The tumours have endothelium-lined
channels and vascular spaces admixed with variably sized aggregates
of spindle-shaped cells, and often remain confined to skin and
subcutaneous tissue, but widespread visceral involvement may occur.
Kaposi’s sarcoma occurs endemically in certain parts of Central Africa
and Central and Eastern Europe, and a particularly virulent and
disseminated form occurs in immunocompromised patients.
KS
Kaposi’s sarcoma
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LAV
Lymphadenopathy-Associated Virus. See Human Immunodeficiency
virus – a virus of the genus Lentivirus, separable into two serotypes
(HIV-1 and HIV-2), that is the etiological agent of Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV-1 is of worldwide distribution,
while HIV-2 is largely confined to West Africa; transmission and
manifestations are very similar. HIV-1 was formally called Human TLymphotropic Virus Type III (HTLV-III) and LymphadenopathyAssociated Virus (LAV).
Lethargy/malaise
Lethargy – A lowered level of consciousness marked by listlessness,
drowsiness, and apathy.
Malaise – A vague feeling of bodily discomfort and fatigue.
Leukocytes
Types of white blood cells. One of these being neutrophils.
Lipid
Any of a heterogenous group of fats and fatlike substances
characterised by being water-insoluble and being extractable by nonpolar (or fat) solvents such as alcohol, ether, chloroform, benzene, etc.
All contain as a major constituent aliphatic hydrocarbons. The lipids,
which are easily stored in the body, serve as a source of fuel, are an
important constituent of cell structure, and serve other biological
functions. Lipids may be considered to include fatty acids, neutral fats,
waxes, and steroids.
Lipoatrophy
Loss of subcutaneous fat.
Lipodystrophy
Lipodystrophy, or "lipo" for short, is a collection of changes in people
taking HIV antiretroviral therapies. "Lipo" refers to fat, and "dystrophy"
means bad growth. These changes include fat loss, fat deposits, and
metabolic changes.
Logarithm
The power to which a number, called the base number, must be raised
to obtain a second number.
Lymphadenopathy
Disease of the lymph nodes.
Lymphocyte
Any of the mononuclear, non-phagocytic leukocytes, found in the blood,
lymph, and lymphoid tissues, that are the body’s immunologically
competent cells and their precursors. They are divided on the basis of
ontogeny and function into two classes, B and T lymphocytes,
responsible for humoral and cellular immunity, respectively.
Lysozyme
An enzyme of the hydrolase class that catalyses the hydrolysis of
specific glycosidic linkages in peptidoglycans and in chitin. The enzyme
occurs in saliva, tears, egg white, and many animal fluids and catalyses
the breakdown of some bacterial cell walls.
Meningoencephalitis
Inflammation of the brain and meninges.
Mitochondria
Organelles of the cell cytoplasm (all of the cell except the nucleus) that
are the principal energy source of the cell. Mitochondria are the cell's
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power plant. They use oxygen, fat and sugar to produce adenosine
triphosphate (ATP). This process is called "cellular respiration." When
the cell needs energy, it breaks down molecules of ATP to release the
stored energy.
Mitochondrial toxicity Mitochondrial toxicity is damage that decreases the number of
mitochondria. If there are too few mitochondria in a cell, it might stop
working properly.
Molluscum
contagiosum
A common, benign, usually self-limited viral infection of the skin and
occasionally the conjunctivae by a pox virus, transmitted by
autoinoculation, close contact, or fomites; it primarily affects children but
may also be seen in adolescents and adults, in whom it is often sexually
transmitted.
MSM
Men who have Sex with Men
Mucocutaneous
Pertaining to or affecting the mucous membrane and the skin.
Mucocutaneous
ulceration
Breaks in skin or mucous membranes that are often accompanied by
loss of tissue on the surface.
Mucous membranes
A thin layer of tissue which covers a surface, lines a cavity, or divides a
space or organ.
Myalgia
Pain in a muscle or muscles.
Neoplastic
Neoplasm – any new and abnormal growth; specifically a new growth of
tissue in which the growth is uncontrolled and progressive. Malignant
neoplasms are distinguished from benign in that the former show a
greater degree of anaplasia and have the properties of invasion and
metastasis.
Neuropathic
Neuropathy – a functional disturbance or pathological change in the
peripheral nervous system, sometimes limited to non-inflammatory
lesions as opposed to those of neuritis; the aetiology may be known or
unknown.
Neutropenia
The presence of abnormally small numbers of neutrophils in the
circulating blood. Neutrophils are a type of mature white blood cell.
Neutrophils
A mature white blood cell in the granulocytic series, formed by bone
marrow, and the circulating blood where they normally represent 54% to
65% of the total number of leukocyctes.
NK cells
Natural Killer cells
NNRTI’s
Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
NRL
National Reference Laboratory
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NRTI’s
Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Oesophageal
candidiasis
Candidiasis infection in the oesophagus. It is usually a superficial
infection of the moist cutaneous areas of the body, although it becomes
more severe in immunocompromised patients. It most commonly
involves the skin, oral mucous membranes, oesophagus, respiratory
tract and vagina.
OHL
Oral Hairy Leukoplakia
Oral hairy
leukoplakia (OHL)
OHL – A condition that appears as white thick growths, typically located
on the side of the tongue or the inner cheeks. The cause of OHL is
unknown but Epstein Barr virus seems to be associated.
Oropharyngeal
Relating to the portion of the pharynx that lies posterior to the mouth.
p18, p24
Proteins in the core of HIV.
P34 (endonuclease)
A nuclease (phosphodiesterase) that cleaves polynucleotides (nucleic
acids) at interior bonds.
Pathophysiology
Derangement of function seen in disease; alteration in function as
distinguished from structural defects.
PCP
Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia
PCR
Polymerase Chain Reaction
PEP
Post Exposure Prophylaxis
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Pericardial fluid
Fluid found in the pericardium, the fibroserous sac that surrounds
the heart and the roots of the great vessels, comprising an
external layer of fibrous tissue and an inner serous layer.
Peripheral
neuropathy
A degeneration of the peripheral nerves. The most common type seen
in HIV infection occurs at the end of the nerve, affecting the soles of the
feet, the tips of toes or the tips of fingers.
Peritoneal fluid
Fluid found in the peritoneum – the serous membrane lining the
abdomino-pelvic walls and investing the contained viscera. A strong,
colourless membrane with a smooth surface, it forms a double-layered
sac that is closed in the male and is continuous with the mucous
membrane of the uterine tubes in the female. The potential space
between the parietal and visceral peritoneum is called the peritoneal
cavity.
Pharyngitis
Inflammation of the pharynx. Pharynx – (the throat) the
musculomembrane passage between the mouth and posterior nares
and the larynx and oesophagus.
PHI
Primary HIV Infection
PI’s
Protease Inhibitors
PJP
Pneumocystis jiroveci Pneumonia. Used interchangeably with previous
name Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia. This causative organism is a
fungus, and does not cause infection in healthy people.
Pleural fluid
Pleural – pertaining to the pleura. Pleura – (rib/side) the serous
membrane investing the lungs and lining the thoracic cavity, completely
enclosing a potential space known as the pleural cavity. There are two
pleurae, right and left, entirely distinct from each other. The pleura is
moistened with a serous secretion which facilitates the movements of
the lungs in the chest.
PLWHIV
Person living with HIV
PML
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy.
Multifocal – arising from or pertaining to many foci.
Leukoencephalopathy – any of a group of diseases affecting the white
matter of the brain, especially of the cerebral hemispheres, and
occurring as a rule in infants and children.
Pol gene products
A component gene of the structure of HIV
PrEP
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Protozoa
A subkingdom comprising the simplest organisms of the animal
kingdom, consisting of unicellular organisms that range in size from
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submicroscopic to macroscopic; most are free living, but some lead
commensalistic, mutualistic, or parasitic existences. According to newer
classifications, Protozoa is divided into seven phyla.
QAP
Quality Assurance Program
Radiculopathy
Disease of the spinal nerve roots.
Resistance
Drug – the ability of a micro-organism to withstand the effects of a drug
that are lethal to most members of its species. Primary drug resistance
refers to initial infection by a resistant organism; secondary drug
resistance to resistance that develops during the course of therapy.
Microbial resistance to a drug can be symbolised by the superscript R
or attached to the name of the drug.
Retro-orbital pain
Retro – a prefix meaning backward or located behind. Orbit – a bony
cavity that contains the eyeball.
Retrovirus (RNA)
The retrovirus; a family of RNA viruses having a virion 80-100nm in
diameter consisting of a lipid-containing envelope with peplomers,
surrounding an icosahedral capsid.
Reverse
transcriptase
RNA-directed DNA polymerase.
RNA
Ribonucleic Acid
Roseola-like rash
A symmetrical eruption of small closely aggregated patches of rose-red
colour. It is believed to be caused by Human Herpes Virus.
SCID
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency
Seborrhoeic
dermatitis
A common scaly macular eruption that occurs primarily on the face,
scalp (dandruff), and other areas of increased sebaceous gland
secretion; the lesions are covered with a slightly adherent oily scale.
Seroconverters
Individuals in the process of seroconverting. The change in the blood
from antibody negative to antibody positive. Seroconversion is one of
the immune system’s responses to the presence of antigens in the
blood and occurs shortly after transmission of any infective agent.
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Starter Pack
Anecdotal name given to the set of HIV antiretroviral drugs
available to Health Care Workers exposed to HIV or after nonoccupational exposure to HIV.
STIs
Sexually Transmissible Infections
Synovial fluid
Synovial – pertaining to or secreting synovia. Synovia – a transparent
alkaline viscid fluid, resembling the white of an egg, secreted by the
synovial membrane, and continued in joint cavities, bursae, and tendon
sheaths.
T cells
A Thymocyte-derived lymphocyte of immunological importance that is
long-lived (months to years) and is responsible for cell-mediated
immunity.
Vertical transmission Vertical Transmission – ie mother to baby
Viral Load
The term used to describe the level of virus in the blood.
Virion
An entire mature virus particle found outside a living cell.
Viruses
One of a group of minute infectious agents, with certain exceptions (eg.
Pox viruses) not resolved in the light microscope, and characterised by
a lack of independent metabolism and by the ability to replicate only
within living host cells.
Western Blot tests
A blot test that detects the presence of specific antibodies. The western
blot test is used to diagnose HIV infection and to confirm a positive
ELISA test.
Window period
The interval between initial transmission of an infective agent and the
appearance of detectable antibodies in the blood.
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