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
m.
pharmaceutical abbreviation,  month
m.ft.
pharmaceutical abbreviation,  mix and make (miscre et fiat)
m.t.
pharmaceutical abbreviation,  send like this (mitte talis)
mac
abbreviation,  mycobacterium avium complex. a disease caused by a dust particles. Symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, and fever. MAC is considered an AIDS-defining condition in the United States.
macro-
prefix, large.
macrolide
one of a group of antibiotic drugs (e.g., clarithromycin, azithromycin) related to erythromycin.
macrophage
a large (phagocytic) cell in the immune (reticuloendothelial) system. This is the reconnaisance unit of the blood stream -- circulatin, looking for foreign matter, alerting (by producing neopterin) the entire immune system if there is a problem.
macs
see Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study.
macula
the pigmented central area on the retina that is devoid of blood vessels. The macula is the most sensitive area of the retina and is responsible for retinal nourishment. Macular degeneration refers to the atrophy of the macula, which may lead to vision loss.
maculopapular eruption
a rash with both flat and raised lesions or sores.
magnesium (mg)
a mineral necessary for proper metabolism. Magnesium deficiency may worsen sensory neuropathy and affect immune function.

magnetic resonance imaging (mri)
a disgnostic technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves (instead of X-rays). MRIs produce a 3 dimensional computer model.
mai
see Mycobacterium avium complex.
mainstream treatment/therapy
use of drugs that are standard therapy for a given condition, typically drugs that have been approved by the FDA and are prescribed by doctors for the specific indication. Contrast with alternative therapy.
maintenance therapy (secondary prophylaxis)
preventive therapy that follows successful initial treatment of an illness. Generally maintenance therapy continues for the lifetime of the patient to prevent disease recurrence.
major histocompatibility complex (mhc)
a group of genes that control the expression of cell surface protein markers (also known as human leukocyte antigen or HLA markers) that determine receptor shape and allow immune cells to recognize components of the body (i.e., to distinguish "self" from "non-self"). MHC molecules are necessary for antigen presentation and for recognition of antigens by immune system cells. Each individual has one of a variety of genetically-determined MHC/HLA patterns. There are two classes of MHC molecules, MHC-I and MHC-II.
mal-
prefix, bad, abnormal.
malabsorption
ineffective or substandard absorption of nutrients or drugs in the intestines.
malaise
a generalized feeling of illness and discomfort.
malaria therapy (induced malaria therapy, imt)
a proposed therapy for HIV disease in which a patient is infected with a malaria-causing parasite in the hope that the ensuing immune response and high fever will kill HIV.
malignancy
a tumor, cancer, or an abnormal growth that tends to metastasize (spread)
malignant (noun malignancy)
refers to a cancer, neoplasm or tumor that grows in an uncontrolled manner, invading nearby tissue and spreading (metastasizing) to other sites through the bloodstream. Contrast with benign.
malnutrition (malnourishment)
lack of the minimum amount of fluids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients essential for sound health and growth. Faulty nutrition may result from poor diet, lack of appetite or abnormal absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract.
mantoux test
see PPD test.
marijuana
see cannabis.
marinol
brand name of dronabinol.
marker
a lab result or symptom observation used to measure a treatment's effectiveness or an individual's immune system status. Also refers to a unique identifier on a cell's surface. See also surrogate marker.
marrow
the soft tissue filling a cavity in bones, consisting of fat cells and maturing blood cells.
marrow suppression
a side-effect of some drugs that leads to a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
mast cell

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

a basophil (a type of granular white blood cell) that has left the bloodstream and entered a tissue. Mast cells release histamine and heparin, chemicals which mediate allergic reactions.
maternal-fetal transmission
see vertical transmission.
maximum tolerated dose
the largest dose of a drug a patient can take without unacceptable adverse side effects.
mbacod
a chemotherapeutic cancer treatment regimen that combines the drugs methotrexate, bleomycin, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), cyclophosphamide, vincristine (Oncovin) and dexamethasone.
mcg
microgram.
mdr-tb
see multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
mean
a statistical measurement of the central tendency or average of a set of values. Contrast with median.
measles
an acute contagious viral disease marked by an eruption of distinct red circular spots on the skin.
meatus
an opening or channel through a part of the body or from the body to the outside (e.g., the urinary meatus).
median
the number within a series that is preceded and followed by an equal number of values. Contrast with mean.
megace
brand name of megestrol acetate.
megadose
a far greater than normal dose, especially of vitamins.
megakaryocyte (thromboblast)
a large, multilobed cell in the bone marrow that gives rise to platelets.
megestrol acetate (megace)
a synthetic progesterone used to stimulate appetite and promote weight gain in people with HIV-related wasting syndrome. Side effects may include menstrual changes in women, feminizing side effects in men, and swelling of the hands and feet.
melanoma
a cancer derived from melanin-producing cells.
membrane
a thin sheet or layer of pliable tissue serving as a semi-permeable covering.
memory cell
a cell that remains after the body mounts an immune response to an antigen and is capable of an immediate response to the reappearance of the same antigen. Memory cells include certain subsets of T-cells (CD4 and CD8) and some B-cells.
memory t-cell
blood cells (t-cells) that have a receptor for a specific antigen that was previously encountered by the immune system. These cells proliferate, providing a quick response to pathogens.
meningismus
stiffness of the neck resulting from infection and/or inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
meningitis
inflammation of meninges, usually a bacterial infection.
meningoencephalitis
inflamation of the brain or meninges. pl. meninges)
meninx (pl. meninges)
a membrane that encloses the brain and spinal cord.
menopause
the cessation of menstruation. Menopause may be due to hormonal changes, surgery or drug use. Natural menopause typically occurs between 45 and 60 years of age; women with HIV may experience early menopause.
menstruation (menses)
a stage of the female reproductive cycle. An ovum (egg) matures and is released every month. Hormones are released to prepare the uterus for possible implantation. If pregnancy does not occur, the uterine lining (blood and tissue) is shed and expelled (the menstrual period).
mepron
brand name of atovaquone.
messenger rna (mrna)
pieces of ribonucleic acid that carry genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, leading to the synthesis of new proteins.
metabolism (adjective metabolic)
the process of building the body's molecular structures from nutrients (anabolism) and breaking them down for energy production (catabolism).
metabolite
a product of metabolism, including intermediate and waste products.
metastasis (adjective metastatic, verb metastasize
secondary cancer that has spread from the primary or original site to another part of the body.
methadone
an oral opioid drug used for pain therapy and to treat opiate (e.g., heroin) addiction. Methadone maintenance therapy is used to prevent withdrawal symptoms by administering a small dose of methadone on a regular (e.g., daily) basis.
methamphetamine (crystal, speed)
a drug that exerts a stimulatory effect on the nervous system.
methemoglobin
a form of hemoglobin that is unable to combine reversibly with, and thus transport, oxygen.
metronidazole (flagyl)
an antibiotic drug used to treat giardiasis and under study for the treatment of microsporidiosis.
mg
milligram.
mg.
pharmaceutical abbreviation,  milligram
mhc
see major histocompatibility complex.
micro- (prefix)
small.
microbe
a tiny living organism (e.g., bacterium, protozoan, fungus), especially those which cause disease.
microbicide
an agent that inactivates, kills or destroys microbes.
microcephaly
a birth defect characterized by an abnormally small head, incomplete development of the brain and usually mental retardation.
microglia
cells within the brain that are related to macrophages.
microgram (mcg)
a unit of weight equivalent to one-millionth of a gram (10-6g). 1,000 micrograms equals 1 milligram.
micron
a micrometer, or one-millionth of a meter.
micronutrient
a trace element; an organic compound small amounts of which are essential for physical health, growth and metabolism.
microorganism
a tiny organism (e.g., bacterium).
microscopy
examination using a microscope, a magnifying instrument.
microsporidiosis
infection (Microsporidia protozoal pathogen) that causes diarrhea and cramps. This is sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as cryptosporidiosis.
milligram (mg)
a unit of measurement; 1,000 milligrams equal 1 gram.
mineral
an carbonless inorganic element that promotes enzymatic reactions within the body and is necessary for proper cellular metabolism. Essential minerals include sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium.
mip-1 alpha, mip-1 beta
2 chemokine proteins that affect HIV activity. MIP-1-alpha and MIP-1-beta are believed to act in conjunction with RANTES, another chemokine.
mite
a small arachnid that often infest animals, plants and stored foods. Some types of mites carry disease and some may cause an itchy skin rash.
mitochondria
a rod-shaped or oval organelle in the cytoplasm of a cell that produces most of the cell's energy.
mitogen
a substance that stimulates the division of cells and can induce cancerous growth.
ml
milliliter.
ml.
pharmaceutical abbreviation,  milliliter
mm
millimeter; mm3 denotes a cubic millimeter.
mole
a unit of molecular weight.
molecule
a small unit of matter made up of atoms. A molecule is the smallest unit of a substance that retains its unique characteristics.
molluscum contagiosum
an infectious skin disease caused by a virus. Symptoms are small, white tumors on the face or body.
monilia
a group of yeast-like fungi related to Candida.
mono-
prefix, one, alone.
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (mao inhibitor)
an older class of therapeutic drugs used to treat clinical depression.
monoclonal antibodies
artificial antibody, created in a lab and targeting a specific disease (epitope).
monoclonal antibodies (mab)
antibodies derived (often by genetic engineering) from a single cell or its clones. MAB are specifically directed against a particular antigen (e.g., anti-cytomegalovirus antibodies) and are used as tools to detect and identify specific proteins.
monocyte
a large white blood cell that plays a role in immune defense by acting as a scavenger that destroys invading microorganisms. Monocytes circulate in the bloodstream; when they migrate to the tissues, they mature into macrophages. Monocytes are a reservoir of HIV.
monokine
a cytokine produced by monocytes and macrophages.
monomucleosis
a disease characterized by an abnormally large number of leucocytes with single nuclei.
mononeuritis multiplex
a type of neuropathy characterized by inflammation of or damage to several nerves in unrelated parts of the body, leading to asymmetric areas of movement and sensory disorder. The condition tends to occur during the early stages of HIV infection.
mononuclear cell
a cell that has 1 nucleus, used to refer to a subset of white blood cells (e.g., lymphocytes, monocytes). Mononuclear cells may circulate in the blood (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) or reside in the lymph nodes or other tissues.
mononuclear pleocytosis
an abnormally high number of mononuclear cells.
mononucleosis (kissing disease)
an infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus that is easily transmitted via saliva. The disease is characterized by a sore throat, fatigue, and possibly swollen glands or a swollen spleen.
monotherapy
use of a single drug or other therapy.
morbidity
sickness; the state of being affected by disease.
morphine
a narcotic analgesic derived from opium that has effects on the central nervous system and the bowel. Morphine is used for the relief of acute or chronic severe pain.
mortality
death. The mortality rate is the rate of death in a given population.
mosaic
a combination of different genetic variants occurring in a single individual.
motility
the ability to move.
motor function
movement functions of the body.
moxibustion
the burning of the herb moxa (mugwort) near the body, often used in conjunction with acupuncture as an element of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
mri
abbreviation,  magnetic resonance imaging. a disgnostic technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves (instead of X-rays). MRIs produce a 3 dimensional computer model.
mrna
see messenger RNA.
mtd
pharmaceutical abbreviation,  maximum tolerated dose
mucocutaneous
denoting the junction where mucous membrane and skin meet at the oral, vaginal and anal orifices of the body.
mucoris
infection with a Mucorales fungus. The disease may involve the brain or sinuses. Infection is rare and usually occurs in immunocompromised people.
mucosa
see mucous membrane.
mucosal immunity
immunity that involves IgA antibodies located in the mucous membranes at the openings of the body (e.g., the genital tract). This type of immune defense repels invaders at their point of entry.
mucous membrane (mucosa)
a moist layer of semi-permeable tissue lining the openings of the body (e.g., the gastrointestinal, respiratory and genitourinary tracts).
mucus
a thick, viscous fluid (e.g., mucin) secreted by mucous membranes that consists primarily of glycoproteins. Mucin acts as a protective barrier and lubricant.
multicenter aids cohort studies (macs)
a set of longitudinal studies of over 5,000 gay and bisexual men in 4 U.S. cities; long-ranging data are available for men in this cohort from as far back as 1984.
multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (mdr-tb)
a strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is resistant to a number of the standard anti-TB drugs. Treatment requires aggressive therapy with up to 7 different drugs taken concurrently.
multinucleated
refers to a cell with more than one nucleus.
multinucleated giant cell (mgc)
a cell that forms clusters in the brain. MGC are associated with HIV infection.
multiple sclerosis (ms)
a disease characterized by hardened plaques on the brain and spinal cord. MS can cause paralysis, tremors, and speech and vision disturbances. It typically occurs in early adulthood, and is characterized by exacerbations and remissions. MS has been associated with human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection.
multivariate analysis
a statistical analysis technique in which multiple variables are analyzed separately to determine the contribution made by each variable to an observed result.
multivitamin
a nutritional supplement that contains a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.
murine
relating to mice.
musculoskeletal
relating to the muscles and the skeletal system.
mutagenicity
ability to cause genetic mutations.
mutant strain
a new isolate produced by a change in the character of a gene.
mutation
a change in the character of a gene that is perpetuated in subsequent cell divisions.
mx
medical abbreviation for maintenance therapy.
myalgia
muscular pain
myambutol
brand name of ethambutol.
myasthenia
abnormal muscular weakness
mycelex
brand name of clotrimazole.
myco-, myc-
prefix, fungus.
mycobacteria
a category of gram-positive, acid-fast bacteria that contains species that cause diseases such as tuberculosis, leprosy and Mycobacterium avium complex.
mycobacterium
a slinder, rod-shaped bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium, including the bacteria that cause MAC and TB.
mycobacterium avium complex
a disease -- often called MAC -- caused by a fungus in dirt or dust particles. Symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, and fever. MAC is considered an AIDS-defining condition in the United States.
mycobacterium avium complex (mac)
a disease caused by Mycobacterium avium or Mycobacterium intracellulare (sometimes referred to as Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare or MAI), bacteria found in soil and water. In immunosuppressed persons, the bacteria can infect the lymph nodes, intestines, bone marrow, liver, spleen, spinal fluid, lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. MAC is the most common bacterial infection in persons with advanced AIDS (usually under 50-75 CD4 cells/mm3). Symptoms include diarrhea, wasting, fever, night sweats, fatigue andspleen enlargement. Clarithromycin is used as treatment and prophylaxis for MAC.
mycobacterium kansasii
an atypical mycobacterial species that usually does not cause disease in humans, but may do so in immunocompromised individuals.
mycobacterium tuberculosis
commonly called tuberculosis or TB. a bacterial infection.
mycobutin
brand name of rifabutin.
mycoplasma
a microorganism, of which there are many varieties (e.g., Mycoplasma penetrans), that usually does not cause disease in people with healthy immune systems. Mycoplasma is believed by some to be a co-factor in the development of AIDS.
mycosis
a fungal growth in the body.
mycosis (adjective mycotic, mycological)
a disease caused by fungus (e.g., candidiasis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis).
mydriatic
a drug that produces dilation of the pupils.
myelin
a white fatty substance that forms the sheath around the axons of some neurons and provides insulation necessary for proper neural transmission.
myelo-, myel-
prefix, spinal cord, marrow.
myelocyte
a type of immature white blood cell normally found in the bone marrow.
myeloma
a malignant tumor of the bone marrow.
myelopathy
a disease or disorder of the bone marrow.
myelosuppression
inhibition of bone marrow activity, causing decreased production of blood cells.
myelotoxic
destructive to the bone marrow.
myocardium (adjective myocardial)
the muscle layers of the heart.
myoclonus
violent, uncontrollable contractions of the muscles, either localized or occurring throughout the body.
myopathy
an inflammation or disease of the muscles that may cause pain or weakness.
myositis
inflammation of the skeletal muscle, which may involve muscle degeneration and weakness. Polymyositis simultaneously involves several muscles. Dermatomyositis is a condition characterized by both skin and muscle inflammation.
Search:
Keywords:
In Association with Amazon.com