Google

[HOME] [FUN SITE] Good Sites

A_ B_ C_ D_ E_ F_ G_ H_ I_ J_ K_ L_ M_ N_ O_ P_ Q_ R_ S_ T_ U_ V_ W_ X_ Y_ Z_ Other_ Back to AIDS Prevention Home
AIDS Glossary
iatrogenic
refers to an unfavorable response to medical or surgical treatment; symptoms attributable to a medical therapy (e.g., peripheral neuropathy caused by an antiviral drug). See also nosocomial.
ic
abbreviation,  see inhibitory concentration.
id
pharmaceutical abbreviation,  intradermal
idiopathic
refers to a disease or condition of unknown cause or origin.
idiopathic cd4 t lymphocytopenia
immunosuppression and low CD4 cell count with no detectable cause. ICL syndrome has been called "non-HIV AIDS." (ICL)
idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
(This is considered an AIDS-defining condition in the United States.)
idiotype
the unique part of the variable region of an antibody. The idiotype can in turn act as an antigen for other antibodies (anti-idiotypes).
idu
abbreviation,  injection drug user, especially illegal drugs. (same as IDVU)
idvu
abbreviation,  intravenous drug user, especially illegal drugs. (same as IDU)
ifn
abbreviation,  see interferon.
ig
abbreviation,  immunoglobulin. See antibody.
igg
abbreviation,  gamma globulin. Component of blood serum (plasma) containing antibodies.
il
pharmaceutical abbreviation,  intralesional
im
pharmaceutical abbreviation,  intramuscular
imidazole
see azole drug.
immediate hypersensitivity
see allergy.
immune
exempt, not affected, not responsive.
immune based therapy
see immunotherapy.
immune complex
a cluster formed when an antigen and an antibody (or multiple antigens and antibodies) bind together. Immune complexes may circulate in the blood or lodge in tissues, where they can lead to physiological damage.
immune modulating therapy
see immunotherapy.
immune modulator
see immunomodulator.
immune response
the activity of the immune system (e.g., against a microorganism or cancerous cell).
immune restoration
rebuilding of a damaged or compromised immune system. (immune reconstitution)
immune surveillance
the immune system's recognition of and defend against foreign organisms and cancerous cells.
immune system

LINKS: ....Medical Dictionary ....Stress Management ....Brain Food ....Bird Flu Info ....AIDS/HIV ....Your Memory Enhancer ....Brain Facts ....Neurotech ....Success Tips ....World Travel Guide ....Boston Tour Guide ....Dynamic South Korea ....Makeup.Fashion ....Allergy Info

the body's defense system that protects against foreign invaders (e.g., microorganisms) and cancerous cells. Some immune defenses are nonspecific (e.g., phagocytosis). Defenses against specific antigens are of 2 types: cell-mediated (TH1) and humoral (antibody-based, or TH2). Organs of the immune system include the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils and bone marrow.
immunity
natural or acquired resistance to a specific disease.
immunization
the process by which a person is protected against the adverse effects of infection by a disease-causing microorganism. Active immunization (vaccination) involves inoculating a person with an antigen and relying on their body to mount an immune response. Passive immunization involves giving a patient exogenous (manufactured or transferred from another individual) antibodies.
immunize
v, to render immune
immuno-
prefix, immunity.
immunocompetent
capable of mounting an appropriate immune response.
immunocompromise
reduction in immune system function.
immunodeficiency
the inability of the immune system to work properly, resulting in susceptibility to disease. Immunodeficiency may be either congenital (present from birth) or acquired. HIV leads to immunodeficiency by attacking T-cells.
immunoendocrinology
a hybrid branch of medicine that combines the study of the immune system (immunology) and the study of the endocrine glands and their hormones (endocrinology).
immunofluorescence assay
a test that uses a glowing dye to identify pathogenic organisms.
immunogen
an antigenic agent that stimulates an immune response.
immunogenic
adj, producing immunity
immunogenicity
the ability to stimulate an immune response.

immunoglobulin
one of a group of blood serum proteins that can act as an antibody.
immunoglobulin a (iga)
a type of antibody found in body fluids and the mucous membranes lining the openings of the body. IgA is the basis of mucosal immunity, attacking pathogens at the site of entry into the body.
immunoglobulin d (igd)
a specialized immunoglobulin of unknown function found in small amounts in the serum.
immunoglobulin e (ige)
a type of antibody associated with mast cells. IgE is responsible for immediate hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions and immune defense against parasites.
immunoglobulin g (igg, gamma globulin)
the most common type of antibody in the plasma. IgG provides specific immunity against particular antigens, and is a major defense against bacteria, viruses and toxins. IgG initiates the complement cascade that result in the destruction of the membrane of pathogens. IgG extracted from donor plasma (gamma globulin) is used for passive immunization.
immunoglobulin m (igm)
a type of antibody that (along with IgG) provides specific humoral immunity against bacteria and viruses.
immunology (adjective immunologic)
the study and/or treatment of disorders that involve the immune system (e.g., cancer, HIV disease, autoimmune diseases). An immunologist is a person who specializes in immunology.
immunomodulator (immune)
an agent or process capable of modifying or influencing the function of the immune system. Immune modulators include cytokines (e.g., IL-2, gamma interferon) and broad-acting agents. See also immunotherapy.
immunomodulators
therapy directed at building or enhancing the immune system.
immunostimulant (immunopotentiator)
an agent that stimulates or enhances the function of the immune system.
immunosuppression
reduced function of the immune system; a state in which the immune system defenses have been suppressed, damaged or weakened.
immunotherapy (immune-based therapy)
a therapy that attempts to modify or enhance immune response, or reconstitute a damaged immune system. Examples of immune-based therapies for HIV disease include active immunization (vaccination), passive hyperimmune therapy, CD8 cell line expansion and cytokine therapy. See also immunomodulator.
impairment
dysfunction, damage or deterioration.
in
pharmaceutical abbreviation,  intranasal
in situ
occurring in place or at a specific site. Carcinoma in situ is a tumor that has not invaded surrounding tissues.
in situ hybridization
a method used to detect and locate specific DNA or RNA sequences.
in utero
in the uterus; typically refers to events that occur in the womb before birth.
in vitro
in an artificial environment, especially test tube experiments involving a reaction of human tissue. [Latin - in glass]
in vivo
within a living organism, especially lab experiments. [Latin - in a living body]
inactivate
to eliminate the activity or effectiveness of an agent or substance.
incidence (incidence rate)
the number of new cases of a diseases or condition in a specific population over a given period of time. The incidence rate is determined by dividing the number of new cases by the total population.
inclusion/exclusion criteria
characteristics of an individual which qualify or disqualify them from taking part in a clinical trial (e.g., CD4 cell count, pregnancy, other drugs taken).
incontinence
loss of voluntary control over urination and/or defecation.
incubation period
the time between an initial exposure to an infectious agent and the development of symptoms of disease.
ind
pharmaceutical abbreviation,  investigational new drug (US FDA designation)
indication
purpose of a drug
indinavir (crixivan, formerly mk-639)
a protease inhibitor drug approved for the treatment of late-stage HIV disease. Current practice favors the use of indinavir in combination therapy (e.g., with nucleoside analog drugs) to avoid the development of drug-resistant virus.
induction
the initiation phase of a particular therapy.
induration
a swelling and hardening of soft tissue caused by infiltration of macrophages and CD4 cells. Injection of a substance (e.g., tuberculin PPD) and "reading" of the resulting induration is used to detect previous exposure to an organism, or to gauge the strength of the immune response.
indwelling catheter
see catheter.
inert
inactive; having no biological or catalytic activity.
infection
a condition in which the body is invaded by an infectious organism (e.g., bacterium, virus, fungus). An active infection is one that leads to disease symptoms; a latent infection remains dormant within the body.
infectious
capable of being transmitted from one individual to another, for example through sexual contact.
infertility
diminished or absent ability to conceive. Infertility may due to a variety of causes, including abnormal hormonal levels, low sperm production and scarring of the fallopian tubes.
infiltration (verb/noun inflitrate)
the process of passing through tissues or through a semi-permeable medium or filter.
inflammation
the body's response to tissue injury or infection, which typically includes increased vessel dilation and permeability, resulting in redness, swelling, heat and pain.
inflammatory bowel disease (ibd)
A disorder of the colon that causes stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhea.
influenza
the flu; an infectious respiratory disease contracted by inhaling a virus. Influenza is characterized by chills, fever, prostration, headache, muscle aches, sore throat and a dry cough. Influenza may be life-threatening in infants, the elderly and persons with compromised immune systems.
informed consent
a way to protect people entering a drug trial. Each participant in a clinical trial in the U.S. must sign a consent form that explains the purpose of the trial, the results expected, the mechanics of the trial, potential risks, a list of other treatments that are available. There is also a statement telling the participant that (s)he can leave the clinical trial at any time.
infusion
the introduction of a solution into a vein, especially medicine or nutritional supplements.
inguinal
relating to the groin.
inh
see isoniazid.
inhalant drug
see nitrite inhalant.
inhibitor
a substance used to retard or stop an undesirable reaction.
inhibitory concentration (ic)
a measure of the efficacy of a drug. The IC50 is the concentration of a drug that eliminates 50% of a population of microorganisms.
injection drug user (idu)
a person who uses a drug (e.g., heroin, cocaine) that is administered with a needle and syringe. The term intravenous drug user (IVDU) is also sometimes used. IDU is more general, and refers to injection methods other than intravenous administration.
inoculation
the introduction of a pathogen or antigen into the body, especially to stimulate antibody production or other immune responses.
inpatient
a patient who is treated in a hospital or other medical facility.
insomnia
inability to sleep.
institutional review board
A committee -- commonly abbreviated IRB -- at an institution or hospital involved in biomedical research that oversees all human trials. In the U.S., all clinical trials required by the FDA to be approved by the institution's IRB.
institutional review board (irb)
a committee of physicians, medical experts, researchers and community members which is responsible for ensuring that clinical trials conducted by a hospital or other institution are safe and ethical.
insulin
a peptide hormone produced by the Islets of Langerhans cells in the pancreas. Insulin enables the body to metabolize and use glucose. Lack of or insensitivity to insulin results in diabetes.
insulin-like growth factor (igf)
a substance naturally produced by the body that has many of the same effects as growth hormone. There are 2 types, IGF-1 and IGF-2; a genetically engineered form of IGF-1 is under study as a therapy for AIDS-related wasting.
integrase
a viral enzyme that enables the integration of viral genetic material into a host cell's DNA.
integrase inhibitor
an antiviral drug (e.g., zintevir) that blocks viral replication by interfering with the action of the integrase enzyme.
integration
the process by which viral DNA is integrated into, or made part of, the genetic material of a host cell. Viruses integrate their genetic material into a host cell and "take over" its biological mechanisms to produce more virus.
intent-to-treat
a method of analysis in clinical trials that groups each participant according to the arm to which they were initially assigned (e.g., experimental drug, standard therapy, placebo), regardless of whether they remain in that arm for the duration of the study.
interaction
a change in the way one drug acts when it is taken with some other drug or substance. Also called drug interaction.
intercompany collaboration for aids drug developme
a cooperative effort of several large pharmaceutical companies to share drugs and data, and to collaborate on trials of experimental HIV/AIDS drug combinations.
intercurrent
occurring at the same time.
interferon
a protein in a cell produced to prevent replication of an virus in the cell.
interferon-alpha (intron-a, roferon-a)
a type of interferon produced in response to viral infection. Genetically engineered interferon-alpha is used to treat Kaposi's sarcoma, anogenital warts and hepatitis B and C, and is under study as an anti-HIV therapy. Side effects include flu-like symptoms, anemia and neutropenia. A low-dose oral formulation of interferon-alpha (Kemron) has shown little efficacy.
interferon-beta
a type of interferon that typically has less severe side effects than interferon-alpha. Interferon-beta is used to treat multiple sclerosis and is under study as a treatment for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
interferon-gamma (immune interferon, actimmune)
a type of interferons produced by CD8 and CD4 cells. Interferon-gamma is used to treat leprosy and is under study as a treatment for toxoplasmosis, PCP and MAC.
interleukin
a hormone (cytokine) that acts as a messanger in the immune system.
interleukin (il)
a cytokine (chemical messenger) secreted by immune system cells that regulates a range of immune system functions. Types include IL-1, IL-2 (T-cell growth factor), IL-10 and IL-12.
interleukin 1 (il-1)
a cytokine released by monocytes, macrophages and other immune cells that fight infection. IL-1 activates helper T-cells, mediates acute systemic immune symptoms (e.g., fever) and acts on the hypothalamus to decrease appetite.
interleukin 10 (il-10)
a cytokine released by TH2 T-cells that stimulates the proliferation and activity of B-cells, modulates macrophage function and enhances humoral (TH2) immunity, while suppressing cell-mediated immune function.
interleukin 12 (il-12)
a cytokine produced by lymphocytes (e.g., monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils) that activates natural killer cells and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and induces the production of interferon-gamma. IL-12 is associated with the cell-mediated (TH1) immune response. Recombinant IL-12 is under study as a immunomodulatory treatment for HIV disease.
interleukin 2 (il-2, t-cell growth factor, aldesle
a cytokine produced by activated CD4 cells that promotes the proliferation and activity of CD4 cells, CTL and natural killer cells. IL-2 is associated with cell-mediated (TH1) immune response. Recombinant IL-2 (Aldesleukin, Proleukin) is used for cancer therapy and is under study as a immunomodulatory treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma and HIV disease. Side effects include flu-like symptoms (fever, chills), decreased blood pressure and anorexia.
interleukin 3 (il-3)
an hematopoietic factor that promotes the growth and differentiation of several types of blood cells (red, white and platelets).
interleukin 4 (il-4)
a cytokine released by the TH2 subset of CD4 cells that stimulates antibody production.
interleukin 6 (il-6)
a cytokine produced by macrophages that mediates acute systemic immune responses (e.g., fever).
intermittent
occurring sporadically or in phases.
interstitial
refers to the spaces between cells.
intolerance
inability of the body to appropriately metabolize an agent or drug, often characterized by adverse side effects.
intra-
prefix, within.
intra- (prefix)
within, internal.
intracellular
within a cell.
intracranial
within the skull.
intracutaneous
within the skin.
intraepithelial neoplasia
abnormal cell growth that suggests possible malignancy. Common sites are the anus (anal intraepithelial neoplasia) and the uterine cervix (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia).
intralesional
within a lesion, especially an injection
intramuscular (im)
administered into a muscle.
intranasal
administered through the nose.
intraocular
administered into the eye. An intraocular implant is embedded in the eye and releases a drug slowly over time.
intrapartum
during child birth.
intrathecal
injected into the fluid (theca) around the spinal cord.
intrauterine
within the uterus.
intrauterine device (iud)
a contraceptive device, typically made of plastic and sometimes including copper, that is placed within the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
intravaginal
introduced into the vagina.
intravenous
within a vein, especially a drug injection.
intravenous (iv)
injected directly into a vein.
intravenous immune globulin (ivig)
broad-spectrum concentrated antibodies administered intravenously to treat conditions in which the body does not produce enough of its own antibodies. Recombinant and pooled immunoglobulins from blood donors are used to prevent bacterial infections, especially in children with HIV disease.
intravitreal
within the eye.
invasive
refers to a procedure that involves entry into or invasion of the body (e.g., making an incision, inserting an instrument). Also refers to a cancer that spreads from its original site to other parts of the body.
invasive cervical cancer
an aggressive type of cancer of the uterine cervix that has spread beyond the surface cell layers. Invasive cervical cancer is more common and spreads more rapidly in women with HIV disease, and is an AIDS-defining illness.
investigational new drug
a drug classification used by the U.S. FDA to indicate an experimental drug can be tested in people. (commonly abbreviated IND or INDA)
investigational new drug (ind)
an FDA classification applied to experimental drugs undergoing trials to assess safety and efficacy prior to marketing approval. IND status must be granted before a drug can enter Phase I testing. See also treatment IND, supplemental IND.
invirase
brand name of saquinavir.
involution
atrophy, shrinkage or loss of normal shape and structure.
irb
abbreviation,  institutional review board. A committee at an institution or hospital involved in biomedical research that oversees all human trials. In the U.S., all clinical trials required by the FDA to be approved by the institution's IRB.
iron
an important trace element needed for the production of red blood cells. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia.
irrigate
to wash out or rinse with a fluid.
iscador
extract of the European mistletoe plant under study as a immunomodulatory therapy.
islets of langerhans (islet cells)
cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
isolate
a specific individual microbe and its genetically identical progeny.
isoniazid (inh)
an antibiotic used in combination regimens to treat tuberculosis. Side effects include liver toxicity and peripheral neuropathy.
isosporiasis
##### (This is considered an AIDS-defining condition in the United States.)
itraconazole (sporonox)
a triazole antifungal drug used to treat various fungal diseases (e.g., cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis). Side effects include nausea and headache.
iu
pharmaceutical abbreviation,  international unit
iu (international unit)
a standardized unit of measurement.
iud
see intrauterine device.
iv
pharmaceutical abbreviation,  intravenous
ivdu
intravenous drug user. See injection drug user.
ivig
see intravenous immune globulin
Search:
Keywords:
In Association with Amazon.com