Bulletin of Experimental Treatments for AIDS, No. 1; June 1988

ANEMIA: A reduction in hemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood, which causes fatigue and other problems.

ANTIGEN POSITIVE: This means that HIV itself has been found by testing (antigen testing). This is different from HIV antibody positive, which means that antibodies to the virus are present. A positive antigen test result indicates that the virus is replicating. Antigen testing can be useful in predicting the progression of HIV infection and monitoring how well a treatment is working.

ANTIVIRAL DRUG: Any drug that can interfere with the life cycle of a virus.

ARC: ARC stands for AIDS-Related Complex or Conditions, a confusing catch-all term used to describe a variety of disorders caused by HIV infection. Symptoms of ARC may be mild or severe.

BETA-2 MICROGLOBULIN: A protein on cell surfaces. Increased amounts of this protein may indicate replication of HIV. In a recent study (British Medical Journal, March 12, 1988, p. 949), the level of this protein was found to be the best predictor for progression of asymptomatic individuals to ARC or AIDS. Some physicians are using the beta-2 microglobulin test to help them decide whether to recommend treatment for HIV infection.

BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER: A barrier between the blood and the brain. It only allows some substances to pass from the blood to the brain. This barrier presents a problem in treating HIV infection because treatments must cross it to stop HIV infection in the brain.

CBC: Complete Blood Count. A screening of the most important components in the blood. These include the total white blood count, the breakdown and counting of white blood cells, the red blood count, hemoglobin levels and platelets.

CMV RETINITIS: An infection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the retina of the eye. It can cause blindness.

COFACTOR: An agent or environmental factor that activates or furthers the action of another disease-causing agent. Some possible cofactors in AIDS are the herpes virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and syphilis.

DEMENTIA: A loss of mental capacity. In AIDS this may be caused by HIV or other infections.

DNA: A complex chemical chain which is the main component of the genetic material of living cells.

ERYTHROPOIETIN: A hormone which stimulates the production of red blood cells.

GM-CSF: Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor. A human growth hormone produced by the body to stimulate white blood cell production. It has been synthesized by genetic engineering and is presently being tested in AIDS patients as an immune booster and to alleviate the toxicity of AZT.

HAIRY LEUKOPLAKIA: Small, hair-like projections on the sides of the tongue that sometimes appear in people infected with HIV. It is caused by a combination of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the human papilloma virus (HPV).

HALF-LIFE: The time required for half the amount of a drug to be eliminated from the body.

HEMOGLOBIN: The protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport. Normal hemoglobin values for women are 12-15 g./100 ml. and 14-16.5 g./100 for men. These values may vary according to where the test if performed.

NEUTROPHIL: The most common type of white blood cell. They are the immune system's primary defense against bacterial infections. The normal range for neutrophils is from 3,000 to 7,000.

NEUTROPENIA: A shortage of neutrophils.

p24 ANTIGEN: A protein fragment of HIV. The p24 antigen test measures this fragment. A positive result for the p24 antigen suggests HIV replication. A positive test result may mean the individual has a higher chance of developing AIDS in the future. In one study of asymptomatic seropositives, 59% of those testing positive for the p24 antigen developed AIDS within three years. Only 15% of those testing negative for it developed AIDS within three years. This test is available at the Irwin Memorial Blood Bank and Mount Zion Hospital in San Francisco with a prescription from a physician. The test is currently not licensed by the FDA.

RIBAVIRIN: An experimental antiviral drug for HIV infection, which has not been approved by the FDA.

SHINGLES: A disease caused by reactivation of the herpes zoster virus (HZV) in individuals with weakened immune systems. Shingles appears as clusters of painful blisters which follow nerve pathways.

T-HELPER CELLS: A type of white blood cell (also known as T-4 cells) which help the body fight off infections. HIV invades these cells and weakens or destroys them. Physicians need to regularly monitor T-helper cell counts in HIV-infected individuals in order to help give them an idea of the progression of HIV infection. The "normal" range for T-helper cells is 480-1800, but this may vary, depending on where the test is given. People with T-helper cell counts of less than 400 may want to seriously consider using an experimental treatment.

THRUSH: An infection caused by a fungus (candida albicans) which usually appears as creamy white patches in the mouth.

TOXICITY: State of being poisonous or harmful.
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Copyright © 1988 - Bulletin of Experimental Treatments for AIDS (BETA). Reproduced with permission. BETA is published four times a year by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reproduction is encouraged. Subscription lists are kept confidential. Call 415.487.8060; FAX: 415.487.8069. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 426182, San Francisco, CA 94142-6182.  beta@sfaf.org  http://www.sfaf.org/beta.html