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AIDS Glossary
h.
pharmaceutical abbreviation,  hour
h.s.
pharmaceutical abbreviation,  at bedtime (hora somni)
haart
highly active antiretroviral therapy, a term for aggressive anti-HIV treatment.
haemophilus influenzae
a rod-shaped bacteria that occurs in the human respiratory tract and causes acute infections (e.g., pneumonia, meningitis). The bacteria was once believed to the cause of the flu, which is now known to be caused by a virus.
hairy leukoplakia
a white lesion on the cheeks, gums or tongue, possibly related to Epstein-Barr Virus infection. This is considered an AIDS-defining condition in the United States.
half-life
the time required for half the amount of an agent (e.g., drug, virus, cell type) to be eliminated from the body.
hbv
abbreviation,  hepatitis B -- a viral liver disease. It can be chronic or acute (life-threatening).
hby-097

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an experimental non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor drug.
hcg
see human chorionic gonadotropin.
hct
see hematocrit.
helper cell (t4 cells, cd4 cells) ***
A subset of T cells that carry the T4 marker and are essential for turning on antibody production, activating cytotoxic T cells, and initiating other immune responses. The number of T4 cells in a blood sample is used to measure the health of the immune system in people with HIV.
helper t-cell
see CD4 cell.
helper-suppressor ratio
see CD4/CD8 ratio.
hematocrit
percentage of packed red blood cells in a blood sample.
hematocrit (hct)
the percentage of red blood cells in a given amount of whole blood. The hematocrit reflects oxygen-carrying capacity; a drop in hematocrit may indicate bone marrow dysfunction. Red blood cells normally constitute about 38-54% of the whole blood in men and about 37-47% in women.
hematology
the study of blood and blood-forming tissues.
hematopoiesis
the process by which blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. Hematopoietic stem cells give rise to all types of red and white blood cells.
hematotoxic
poisonous to the blood or blood-producing bone marrow.
hemo-
prefix, blood.
hemoglobin
a protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen and contain iron.
hemoglobinemia
the presence of free (unbound) hemoglobin in the blood plasma.
hemolysis
the breakdown or destruction of red blood cells.
hemophilia
a disorder that prevents normal blood clotting. Hemophilia is hereditary.
hemorrhage
loss of a large amount of blood from the arteries or veins. A hemorrhage may be internal or external.
hepa (high-efficiency particulate air) filter
a type of air filter that protects against airborne transmission of tuberculosis.
heparin
a chemical found in many tissues, especially the liver, that prevents blood clotting. Heparin is released by basophils and mast cells in inflammatory and allergic responses. It is used therapeutically to prevent blood coagulation.
hepatic
adj, pertaining to the liver
hepatitis
an inflammation of the liver that may be caused by several agents, including viruses and toxins. Hepatitis is characterized by jaundice, enlarged liver, fever, fatigue and abnormal liver function tests. Types include hepatitis A (infectious hepatitis), hepatitis B (serum hepatitis), hepatitis C, hepatitis D (delta hepatitis) and hepatitis E. A new form, hepatitis G, has recently been characterized.
hepatitis a (hav, infectious hepatitis)
an inflammatory viral disease of the liver with a short incubation period. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) may be transmitted by eating contaminated food, by fecal-oral contact and/or through household contact. Hepatitis A may be mild to severe; symptoms include fever, nausea and jaundice. An anti-HAV vaccine is available.
hepatitis b
a viral liver disease. It can be chronic or acute (life-threatening).
hepatitis b (hbv, serum hepatitis)
a viral liver disease that may be acute or chronic, and can be life-threatening. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, malaise, nausea and jaundice. Some individuals are chronic asymptomatic carriers; chronic hepatitis B may result in liver cirrhosis and/or cancer. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be transmitted by sexual contact, shared needles or contaminated blood products. Interferon-alpha is used as a treatment; a 3-dose anti-HBV vaccine is available.
hepatitis c (hcv, formerly non-a, non-b hepatitis)
a contagious viral disease that causes inflammation of the liver. A chronic carrier state occurs in some individuals and may result in life-threatening liver damage, cirrhosis and/or liver cancer. HCV is spread via contaminated blood products or shared needles. There is no standard treatment or vaccine.
hepatitis d (formerly delta hepatitis)
a type of hepatitis that occur only in individuals who are also infected with hepatitis B.
hepatitis e (formerly enteric or epidemic hepatiti
a type of hepatitis caused by a virus that is common in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. The disease is usually mild and self-limiting, except in pregnant women, who may have severe cases. Hepatitis E is shed in the feces and can be spread by the fecal/oral route.
hepatomegaly
liver enlargement.
hepatosplenomegaly
enlargement of the liver and spleen.
hepatotoxicity
adj, being toxic to the liver
herbology
the therapeutic use of herbs or herbal products.
herpes simplex encephalitis (hse)
inflammation of the brain caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus.
herpes simplex virus (hsv-1, hsv-2, human herpes v
a herpesvirus that causes blisters and recurring disease. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) usually produces lesions on the lips or in the mouth ("cold sores" or "fever blisters"). HSV type 2 (HSV-2) is usually sexually transmitted and lesions generally occur in the genital and/or anal area. Blisters typically appear 2-12 days after infection and may be painful. In healthy individuals, lesions usually resolve without treatment in 2-3 weeks; in immunocompromised persons, lesions may last longer, may be more frequent and severe, and the virus may become disseminated. Symptomatic disease outbreaks occur at unpredictable intervals. Between outbreaks HSV lies dormant in the nerves; reactivation may result from emotional stress, physical trauma, hormonal changes or other illnesses. Outbreaks may be preceded by a numb or tingling sensation and flu-like symptoms known as the prodrome. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are treated with acyclovir; ganciclovir or foscarnet are used to treat acyclovir-resistant HSV.

herpes simplex virus i
the virus that causes cold sores and fever blisters
herpes simplex virus ii
the virus -- abbreviated HSV II -- that causes genital herpes, painful lesions on the anus or genitals. HSV II can be dormant in nerve tissue but is reactivated by stress and other factors. HSV II is spread by contact with a lesion.
herpes zoster
a viral condition -- commonly called shingles -- consists of painful blisters on the skin that follow nerve pathways.
herpes zoster (shingles)
a condition characterized by painful blisters that typically appear in a dermatomal (linear) distribution on the skin following nerve pathways; blisters generally dry and scab leaving minor scarring. Shingles is caused by reactivation of a previous infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that initially causes chickenpox; VZV lies dormant in the nerves and reactivates when immune defenses are weakened. Shingles outbreaks may recur more frequently and VZV may become disseminated in people with HIV disease. Disseminated herpes zoster resembles chicken pox, with a rash, fever and possibly pneumonia; herpes zoster may also lead to ocular and neurological complications.
herpesvirus (herpetoviridae)
a group of viruses that includes herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1 or HHV-1) and 2 (HSV-2 or HHV-2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV or HHV-3), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV or HHV-4), cytomegalovirus (CMV or HHV-5), human herpesvirus types 6 and 7 (HHV-6, HHV-7) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV or HHV-8). Herpesviruses may act as opportunistic pathogens and/or cofactors in HIV pathogenesis.
hers
HIV Epidemiology Research Study.
heterogeneous
mixed; made up of diverse, dissimilar elements or parts.
heterozygote (adjective heterozygous)
an individual who possesses 2 different alleles, or gene variants, at a given site on a chromosome. Contrast with homozygote.
hhv-1, hhv-2
see herpes simplex virus.
hhv-3
see varicella-zoster virus.
hhv-4
see Epstein-Barr virus.
hhv-5
see cytomegalovirus.
hhv-6
see human herpesvirus 6.
hhv-7
see human herpesvirus 7.
hhv-8
see Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus.
hickman catheter
a flexible tube surgically inserted into a blood vessel for infusions of medicine and nutrition over a long period of time.
hirsutism
excessive growth of bodily and facial hair in a male pattern.
histamine
a white crystalline compound involved in immune responses (hormone or chemical transmitter). It regulates production of stomach acid and is the main cause of allergic reactions. [C5H9N3]
histo-
prefix, body tissue.
histocompatibility
immunologic identity or similarity. Histocompatibility testing compares the HLA (also called MHC) "self" antigen markers of a tissue donor and recipient to determine whether a transplant is possible; a close match implies that the donor and recipient share the same MHC genes, reducing the chance that the transplant will be rejected. See also major histocompatibility complex.
histology
the study or examination of tissue.
histopathology
the study or examination of abnormal or diseased tissue.
histoplasmosis
a fungal infection (Hostoplasma copsulatum) that is usually confined to the Mississippi River Valley. It can cause inflamation in multiple organs -- lungs, meninges, heart, etc.
historical control
the medical records of an individual used to compare current patients receiving an experimental treatment with a similar-seeming patient treated in the past.
HIV
abbreviation,  human immunodeficiency virus. (see human immunodeficiency virus)
HIV associated minor cognitive/motor disorder
an early stage of AIDS dementia complex.
HIV burden
see viral load.
HIV disease
a viral infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus.
HIV negative
showing no evidence of infection with HIV (e.g., absence of antibodies against HIV) on a blood or tissue test. See seronegative.
HIV positive
showing evidence of infection with HIV (e.g., presence of antibodies against HIV) on a test of blood or tissue. See seropositive.
HIV-associated cognitive/motor complex
see AIDS dementia complex.
HIV-associated dementia
see AIDS dementia complex.
hives
itchy, raised, swollen areas on the skin or mucous membranes, often a manifestation of an allergic reaction. (syn. urticaria)
hivid
brand name of ddC.
hivig
concentrated anti-HIV immunoglobulins used in passive immunotherapy. HIVIG is under study as a treatment for children with HIV disease and as a therapy to prevent vertical transmission. Side effects include headache, fever and rash.
HLA
abbreviation,  see human leukocyte antigen.
hodgkin's disease
a progressive cancer of the lymphatic system characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, enlarged lymph nodes and spleen, wasting, fever and anemia. The disease is treated with chemotherapy and radiation. See also non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
holistic
an alternative treatment system that focuses on the whole person rather than on specific diseases or disorders, and considers physical, emotional, social, environmental and spiritual factors.
homeopathy
a treatment methodology based on the theory that "like cures like." Homeopathic therapy uses extremely small, diluted doses of substances that normally cause the types of symptoms one is seeking to treat.
homeostasis
maintenance of equilibrium or a stable bodily state (e.g., body temperature, fluid composition).
homology
similarity or correspondence. Homologous DNA is similar at matched positions (e.g., SIV and HIV-2 are 70% homologous). Homologous blood or tissue transfers are those which are transferred or transplanted from one individual to another. Contrast with autologous. (adjective homologous)
homozygote
an individual who possesses 2 copies of the same allele, or gene variant, at a given site on a chromosome. Contrast with heterozygote. (adjective homozygous)
hormone
a substance created by one organ, transmitted to another organ by the blood, that causes some activity in the second organ due to a chemical reaction. For example, testosterone is a hormone found only in males.
hormone replacement therapy (hrt)
the administration of exogenous hormones (typically estrogen) to replace those that the body is not able to produce (e.g., due to menopause or hysterectomy). HRT is used to relieve symptoms hormonal deficiency (e.g., hot flashes, osteoporosis).
host
a cell or organism within which a parasitic organism lives.
hpmpc
see cidofovir.
HPV
abbreviation,  see human papillomavirus.
HSV
abbreviation,  herpes simplex virus
HTLV
abbreviation,  human T-lymphotropic virus
HTLV-i/HTLV-ii
abbreviation,  see human T-cell leukemia virus.
HTLV-iii
abbreviation,  one of the original names given to the virus now known as HIV.
human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)
a hormone secreted by the placenta that maintains pregnancy during the early development of the embryo. HCG is made up of 2 subunits, alpha and beta; the beta subunit (bHCG) has been shown to suppress the development of Kaposi's sarcoma cells in vitro.
human growth hormone
a peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. HGH enhances growth by stimulating metabolism and protein synthesis, and also stimulates the immune system. Recombinant human growth hormone (Serostim) is a genetically engineered drug used for the treatment of HIV-related wasting syndrome. Side effects include muscle pain, edema and carpal tunnel syndrome. (hgh, somatotropin, serostim)
human herpesvirus 1, 2
see herpes simplex virus.
human herpesvirus 3
see varicella-zoster virus.
human herpesvirus 4
see Epstein-Barr virus.
human herpesvirus 5
see cytomegalovirus.
human herpesvirus 6
herpesvirus that infects lymphocytes, including CD4 cells. HHV-6 infection generally occurs early in life and may cause fever, exanthem (roseola, a red skin rash) in infants. HHV-6 is associated with neuropathology, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis and certain autoimmune diseases. (hhv-6)
human herpesvirus 7
herpesvirus that infects human T-cells, but is not known to cause disease. (hhv-7)
human herpesvirus 8
see Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. (hhv-8)
human immunodeficiency virus
a slow-acting retrovirus of the lentivirus family, believed to be the sole or primary cause of AIDS. HIV is transmitted sexually, through blood or vertically (from mother to child). There are 2 known types: HIV-1 and HIV-2. (hiv)
human immunodeficiency virus (type I)
the cause of HIV Disease and AIDS -- A retrovirus (lentivirus family) that attacks the immune system. Formerly called HTLV III and LAV. (hiv-1)
human immunodeficiency virus 2
a retrovirus closely related to simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and less closely related to HIV-1. HIV-2 is found primarily in West Africa. Symptoms of HIV-2 infection are similar to those of HIV-1 but are typically milder and take longer to develop. There are 5 known types of HIV-2 (A through E). (hiv-2)
human leukocyte antigen
a genetic marker of "self" which prevents the immune system from attacking the body's own tissues. Various HLA patterns are associated with (HLA)
hyper-
prefix, over, above, beyond, excessive.
hypersensitivity
an overreaction, especially as a reaction to a drug.
hypo-
prefix, below, under, less than normal.
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