Abacavir (Ziagen) is a FDA approved anti-HIV drug in the class of drugs called nucleoside analogs (NRTIs). For people that have already taken NRTI anti-HIV drugs, Ziagen may not always work so well due to drug resistance. The changes in HIV that cause drug resistance are called mutations, and different mutations cause resistance to different drugs. In clinical trials, if a person's HIV already had three or more mutations that made it resistant to other NRTI drugs, Ziagen did not have anti-HIV effect.
an isolated accumulation of pus associated with a localized infection. Abscesses may result in tissue destruction, pain and swelling; severe abscesses may require surgical drainage.
The most severe manifestation of infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists numerous opportunistic infections and cancers that, in the presence of HIV infection, constitute an AIDS dignosis. In 1993, CDC expanded the criteria for an AIDS diagnosis in adults and adolescents to include CD4+ T cell count at or below 200 cells per microliter in the presence of HIV infection. In persons (age 5 and older) with normally functioning immune systems, CD4+ T cell counts usually range from 500-1,500 cells per microliter. Persons living with AIDS often have infections of the lungs, brain, eyes, and other organs, and frequently suffer debilitating weight
loss, diarrhea, and a type of cancer called Kaposi's Sarcoma. See HIV Disease, Opportunistic Infections; AIDS Wasting Syndrome.
Protection from a disease as a result of previous exposure to the disease-causing infectious agent or antigen. The protection can be a result of having had the disease or having received a vaccine to prevent getting the disease.
a process by which a person is inoculated with an antigen to encourage their immune system to mount an immune response, e.g., by producing antibodies. Contrast with passive immunization.
A Chinese medical treatment involving the insertion of very fine sterile needles into the body at specific points according to a mapping of "energy pathways." Historically, acupuncture is one component of an overall program of Chinese medicine that includes theory, practice, diagnosis, physiology, and the use of herbal preparations. Acupuncture is used to control pain and to treat other conditions such as allergies or addiction withdrawal. See Alternative Medicine.
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 three 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.
acute hiv infection and early diseases research program (AIEDRP)
A program funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) focusing on innovative ways to study how HIV-1 causes disease in adults. Scientists will use interventions, such as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) given in the acute and early phases of infection, to increase their understanding of the mechanisms and course of HIV disease. Information about this program can be found at http://aiedrp.fhcrc.org.
a combination of flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, sore throat, skin rash, headache, nausea, muscle or joint pain) that accompanies primary (initial) HIV infection or occur shortly after infection. ARS is due to a cellular immune response that takes place before the immune system has had time to produce antibodies. (ARS)
an antiviral drug used to treat herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and varicella-zoster virus infections. When used in combination with AZT, acyclovir has been shown in some studies to prolong survival in persons with HIV disease.
abbreviation, AIDS Dementia Complex. deterioration of intellectual faculties, often accompanied by emotional disturbance. HIV is active in the brain (central nervous system) and can cause dementia, even in those with high CD4 counts and low viral loads. Treatment usually involves an anti-HIV drug -- such as AZT -- that is able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
one of the purine nucleic acid bases that make up nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA and RNA. The antiviral drug ddI is a nucleoside analog associated with adenine.
An ingredient added to a prescription or solution that facilitates or modifies the action of the principal ingredient. May be used in HIV therapies or for HIV vaccines.
a type of therapy that improves the outcome of a primary therapy, e.g., radiation and chemotherapy are adjuvant therapies in relation to cancer surgery.
administration
(Route of Administration.) How a drug or therapy is introduced into the body. Systemic administration means that the drug goes throughout the body (usually carried in the bloodstream), and includes oral (by mouth), intravenous (injection into the vein, IV), intramuscular (injection into a muscle, IM), intrathecal (injection into the spinal canal), subcutaneous (injection beneath the skin, SQ), and rectal administrations. Local administration means that the drug is applied or introduced into the specific area affected by the disease, such as application directly onto the affected skin surface (topical administration). The effects of most therapies depend upon the ability of the drug to reach the affected area; thus the route of
administration and consequent distribution of a drug in the body are important determinants of its effectiveness.
the use of a graft of immune tissue (e.g., bone marrow) from a healthy donor to rebuild the immune system in an individual whose immune system has been damaged or destroyed. See also bone marrow transplant.
an organ located above each kidney that produces various hormones. The medulla (inner part) of the adrenal gland secretes adrenaline (epinephrine). The cortex (outer part) secretes steroids such as cortisol and certain androgens. The adrenal cortex are stimulated to produce hormones by the pituitary hormone ACTH; reduced secretion (adrenal insufficiency) can lead to fatigue, anorexia and weight loss.
a hormone produced by the cortex of the adrenal gland, particularly during intense emotional states such as fear and rage. Adrenaline increases the heart rate, relaxes bronchial and intestinal smooth muscle, and increases certain metabolic processes. Adrenaline is used to treat acute allergic reactions and asthma.
The largest HIV clinical trial organization in the world. It plays a major role in setting standards of care for HIV infection and opportunistic diseases related to HIV/AIDS in the United States and the developed world. The AACTG has been pivotal in providing the data necessary for the approval of therapeutic agents, as well as the treatment and prevention strategies, for many opportunistic infections and prevention strategies, for many opportunistic infections and malignancies. The AACTG is composed of, and directed by, leading clinical scientists in HIV/AIDS therapeutic research and funded through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Internet address: http://aactg.s-3.com.
adverse experience report
a form used in clinical trials to document life-threatening toxicities. (also abbreviated as AER)
adverse reaction (adverse event, side effect)
side-effect; an undesirable or allergic response to a drug. Many of the drugs used to fight HIV Disease cause adverse reactions in a small number of people. Some side effects are minor, and others go away after a few days. A few are truly nasty and require quick medical attention. If you think you are having an adverse reaction to a drug, contact your doctor immediately.
aerobic
requiring or living in the presence of oxygen (e.g., aerobic bacteria).
aerobic exercise
a type of exercise (e.g., running, swimming) that makes the heart and lungs work harder to supply the muscles with more oxygen.
aerosol
a fine mist; an aerosolized drug is administered as a fine spray that is inhaled into the lungs.
aerosolized
adj. a liquid dispensed as a fine mist or gas which is inhaled. [from AERO (air) + SOL(ution)].
aerosolized pentamidine (ap, nebupent)
a drug inhaled as a fine mist for prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP).
AETC
See AIDS Education and Training Centers.
afebrile
without a fever.
affected community
Persons living with HIV and AIDS and other related individuals, including their familities, friends, and advocates whose lives are directly influenced by HIV infection and its physical, psychological, and sociological ramifications.
affective illness
a condition (e.g., depression, mania) that affects the mood.
afferent
refers to nerves that travel from the rest of the body (e.g., skin, muscles, organs) to the brain and spinal cord. Contrast with efferent.
ag1343
See nelfinavir.
agammaglobulinemia
A nearly total absence of immunoglobulins resulting in the loss of ability to produce immune antibodies. See Antibodies.
agency for healthcare research and quality (AHRQ)
Provides evidence-based information on heath care outcomes, quality, cost, use, and access. Information from AHRQ's research helps people make more informed decisions and improve the quality of health care services. AHRQ was formerly known as the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Internet address: http://www.ahrq.gov.
aggressive treatment
a treatment regimen that employs as many useful therapies as possible, even those that are experimental or involve adverse side effects.
agonist
an agent that binds to a receptor on a cell's surface and promotes a specific cellular activity. Agonists often exert their effect by mimicking the activity of the body's natural neurotransmitters and other regulatory chemicals or of other drugs. Also refers to a drug or substance that promotes the activity of another drug. Contrast with antagonist.
agranulocyte
a type of white blood cell (e.g., macrophage, lymphocyte) that does not contain granules of toxic chemicals.
AHRQ
See Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
AIDS
See Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
aids clinical trials information service (ACTIS)
Provides quick and easy access to information on federally and privately funded clinical trials that evaluate experimental drugs and other therapies for adults and children at all stages of HIV infection. ACTIS is co-sponsored by the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Library of Medicine (see entries for these organizations). The HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Information Service (ACTIS) and its sister service, the HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service (ATIS), have merged into AIDSinfo. AIDSinfo includes all of the services that were available from ACTIS and ATIS, and much more. . . Internet address: http://www.aidsinfo.nih.gov/.
AIDS clinical testing unit
clinical trial sites (commonly abbreviated as ACTU)
AIDS clinical trials group
federal AIDS drug testing organization. (commonly abbreviated as ACTG)
AIDS clinical trials group (actg)
a NIAID-sponsored group of medical centers, known as AIDS Clinical Trials Units (ACTU), that evaluate treatments for HIV disease and associated illnesses. ACTG studies are designated by number (e.g., ACTG 019).
AIDS-defining illness
a condition (e.g., Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, toxoplasmosis, Kaposi's sarcoma) that is included in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's CDC definition of AIDS.
AIDS dementia complex
(HIV-associated dementia or HAD.) A degenerative neurological condition attributed to HIV infection, characterized by a group of clinical presentations including loss of coordination, mood swings, loss of inhibitions, and widespread cognitive dysfunction. It is the most common central nervous system complication of HIV infection. Characteristically, it manifests itself after the patient develops major opportunistic infections or AIDS-related cancers. However, patients can also have this syndrome before these major systemic complications occur. The cause of ADC has not been determined exactly, but it may result from HIV infection of cells or inflammatory reactions to such infections.
aidsdrugs
An online database service of the National Library of Medicine with information about drugs undergoing testing against HIV infection, AIDS, AIDS-related complex, and related opportunistic diseases. Internet address: http://www.aidsinfo.nih.gov/drugs/
AIDS drug assistance program (ADAP)
a state program that provides drugs for HIV/AIDS and related opportunistic infections to individuals who otherwise could not afford them.
AIDS-related cancers
Several cancers are more common or more aggressive in persons living with HIV. These malignancies include certain types of immune system cancers known as lymphomas, Kaposi's Sarcoma, and anogenital cancers that primarily affect the anus and the cervix. HIV, or the immune suppression it induces, appears to play a role in the development of these cancers.
AIDS related complex (ARC)
(Early Symptomatic HIV infection) 1. A group of common complications found in early stage HIV infection. They include progressive generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL), recurrent fever, unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, herpes, hairy leukoplakia, fungus infection of the mouth and throat and/or the presence of HIV antibodies. 2. Symptoms that appear to be related to infection by HIV. They include an unexplained, chronic deficiency of white blood cells (leukopenia) or a poorly functioning lymphatic system with swelling of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) lasting for more than three months without the opportunistic infections required for a diagnosis of AIDS. See AIDS Wasting Syndrome.
AIDS-related dementia (ARD)
See AIDS dementia complex.
AIDS service organization (ASO)
an organization that provides care, education and/or other services to people with HIV/AIDS.
AIDS vaccine evaluation group (AVEG)
a NIAID-sponsored network that conducts trials of experimental HIV vaccines at research centers called AIDS Vaccine Evaluation Units (AVEU).
AIDS Wasting Syndrome
The 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) in the absence of a concurrent illness or condition other than HIV infection that would explain the findings.
a protein found in bodily tissues and fluids; the principal protein in blood plasma. A reduced level of albumin in the serum of persons with AIDS-related wasting syndrome is a sign of progressive wasting and suggests a high risk of death.
an enzyme. Doctors sometimes look for alkaline phosphatase to determine the condition of a patient's liver. Low counts are best. A high count suggests hepatitis or a drug toxicitity. (also abbreviated as alk phos)
hypersensitivity to some environmental agent or drug. Most allergic reactions are minor (sneezing, runny nose), but some are life-threatening and require prompt medical attention.
an immune response to an antigen (allergen) that does not normally cause an adverse reaction (e.g., animal dander, pollen). Allergic reactions are mediated by the release of histamine by mast cells. Allergic symptoms may include runny nose (rhinitis), sneezing, skin rash, asthma or anaphylactic shock.
"Western medicine." A therapeutic system in which illness or disease is treated by producing a second condition that is antagonistic toward or incompatible with the first (e.g., an antibiotic drug is given to treat infection with a microorganism).
The tiny sacs in the lung where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged by red blood cells. Alveoli are the terminations of the bronchial tubes; each sac is about .25 mm in size and there are approximately 1.5 million in each lung.
infection with amebas, a type of protozoan, especially Entamoeba histolytica. Amebas invades the bowel mucosa causing ulceration and bloody diarrhea. Transmission is by contaminated water or oral-fecal transfer.
a procedure in which a needle is used to withdraw fluid from the amniotic sac that surrounds the fetus in the uterus for diagnosis (e.g., genetic analysis).
an antibiotic drug used to treat disseminated fungal infections (e.g., cryptococcal meningitis). The drug can have severe side effects including fever, chills, nausea, kidney toxicity and bone marrow suppression. Toxicity may be reduced by administering the drug in a liposomal (fat bubble) form.
a type of test (e.g., polymerase chain reaction, branched-chain DNA) that detects small fragments of DNA or RNA and amplifies the fragments (target amplification) or the chemical signals they produce (signal amplification). Such assays are used to detect microorganisms in blood and tissues.
a diagram of squares used to assess vision. Defects in the central visual field (e.g., due to CMV retinitis) may be detected as breaks or unevenness in the lines of the grid.
a life-threatening allergic reaction to a foreign antigen mediated by IgE antibodies. Symptoms include swelling, shortness of breath and a decrease in blood pressure due to capillary dilation.
a hormone (e.g., testosterone, androsterone) that has masculinizing effects, including stimulation of the male reproductive organs and development of secondary sex characteristics. Androgens are produced by the testes and/or the adrenal glands.
the lack of an immune response to a foreign antigen. Anergy may indicate an inability to mount a normal allergic or immune reaction, and may be a sign of immunocompromise.
protein in the blood that are generated in reaction to foreign proteins. antibodies selectively neutralize the foreign proteins, producing immunity to certain microorganisms or their toxins. Tests to determine if you are HIV positive look for HIV antibodies -- evidence that your body is attempting to fight the virus.
an immunoglobulin protein secreted by activated plasma cells, which evolve from B-cells. Antibodies are present throughout the blood and tissues; they are produced in response to stimulation by foreign antigens as part of the body's defense against disease. Specific antibodies bind to and act upon specific antigens; the antigen/antibody reaction forms the basis of humoral (TH2) immunity. Neutralizing antibodies destroy or inactivate infectious agents, while enhancing antibodies promote infection. There are 5 classes of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM. See also immunoglobulin A-M.
having antibodies (e.g., against HIV) in the blood, indicating previous exposure to an organism. Typically the terms seropositive and HIV positive are used to mean antibody positive. Contrast with antigen positive.
an agent that elevates the mood and prevents or alleviates psychological depression. Antidepressant drugs are sometimes used as adjuvant analgesic to relieve neuropathic pain. Heterocyclic and tricyclic classifications refer to antidepressants with specific chemical structures. Other classes of antidepressants include MAO inhibitors and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., Prozac).
any agent or substance that stimulates an immune response. Antigens are often foreign microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses, or the substances they produce.
having proteins from a microorganism (e.g., HIV RNA) in the blood or tissues, as determined by tests such as the PCR assay. Contrast with antibody positive.
a cell (e.g., macrophage) that processes antigen proteins and displays the short peptide fragments on its surface in conjunction with major histocompatibility (MHC) proteins, enabling recognition by T-cells.
a substance that inhibits oxidation. In your blood stream, free radicals damage cells by oxidizing them. Beta-carotine, vitamin C, and vitamin E are considered antioxidents.
a substance that kills or suppresses a retrovirus, such as HIV. All of the anti-HIV drugs --AZT, protease inhibitors, etc. -- are considered antiretroviral drugs.
the removal of a specific component of the blood for therapeutic purposes (e.g., plasmapheresis, or removal of plasma). Blood is removed, desired components are filtered out, and the remainder of the blood is returned to the body.
a small often painful shallow lesion on the mucous membranes lining the mouth, esophagus or rectum. Recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) reappear frequently and are refractory to treatment.
programmed cell death. Apoptosis is the body's mechanism for eliminating undesirable or excessive immune system activity, e.g., immune cells that attack the body's own tissues. Abnormal apoptosis is often Seen in HIV disease.
A disease caused by a fungus. It can cause lesions of the skin, ear, orbit, nasal sinuses, lungs and sometimes the bones, meninges, heart, kidneys or spleen. Symptoms include fever, chills, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood. If the infection reaches the brain, it may cause dementia.
the smallest division of an element that can exist independently. Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons and electrons, and are the component parts of molecules.
a condition (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus) in which an individual's immune system fails to recognize its own biochemical markers as being "self" and attacks bodily tissues as if they were foreign matter.
derived from the same individual. An autologous transfusion or transplant is one in which a person's own blood or tissues are removed and reintroduced at a later time.
the branch of the nervous system that primarily controls non-voluntary bodily processes such as heartbeat, intestinal motility and non-endocrine gland secretion. The ANS has two branches, sympathetic and parasympathetic.
Also referred to as osteonecrosis. A disease resulting from temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone. It is a possible late complication that may be associated with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). The most common site is the femoral head. Many patients have other risk factors including alcohol abuse, hyperlipidemia, corticosteroid use, and hypercoagulability (increased clotting ability of the blood).
a class of drugs used to fight fungal infections. There are 2 subclasses, the imidazoles (e.g., clotrimazole, ketoconazole) and the triazoles (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole).
a nucleoside (thymidine) analog drug that suppresses the replication of HIV by terminating DNA synthesis. AZT is FDA-approved for the treatment of HIV infection; current practice favors the use of AZT in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. AZT crosses the blood-brain barrier and may be effective against AIDS dementia complex. Adverse side effects include nausea, myopathy and bone marrow suppression.
AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, iMetrikus, Inc., the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
