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AIDS Glossary
- v3 loop
- part of the gp120 envelope protein of HIV-1. The V3 loop is believed to triggers as strong antibody response and is the basis of several candidate anti-HIV vaccines; however, the region is extremely variable among HIV strains. (syn. v3 region)
- vaccination
- the process of administering a vaccine.
- vaccine
- a preparation that contains an infectious agent or its components which is administered to stimulate an immune response that will protect a person from illness due to that agent. A therapeutic (treatment) vaccine is given after infection and is intended to reduce or arrest disease progression. A preventive (prophylactic) vaccine is intended to prevent initial infection. Agents used in vaccines may be whole-killed (inactive), live-attenuated (weakened) or artificially manufactured.
- vaccinia
- a virus used as a vaccine against smallpox. Vaccinia is used as a live virus vector is some candidate anti-HIV vaccines.
- vagina
- the passage from the uterus to the outside of the body, part of the female reproductive system; the "birth canal".
- vaginal candidiasis
- infection of the vagina and/or vulva with a yeast-like fungus, typically Candida albicans. Symptoms may include pain, itching, redness and a white discharge. Vaginal candidiasis is more common and more difficult to treat in HIV positive women; recurrent episodes may be an early sign of HIV infection. (vulvovaginal candidiasis, "yeast infection")
- vaginitis
- inflammation of the vagina, often characterized by redness, irritation, itching and/or discharge. Vaginitis may be caused by a variety of factors (e.g., bacteria, Candida, hormonal changes).
- vaginosis
- see bacterial vaginosis.
- valacyclovir
- a prodrug of acyclovir used as an antiherpes treatment. Valacyclovir has significantly greater bioavailability than acyclovir, and thus is effective at lower doses. (valtrex)
- varicella-zoster virus
- a herpesvirus that initially causes chickenpox (varicella), usually in children. VZV may lie dormant within the nerves for years and reactivate later to cause herpes zoster (shingles), especially in immunosuppressed individuals. (vzv, human herpesvirus 3)
- vascular hyperplasia
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- excessive growth of the cells that form blood vessels, causing clusters of incomplete vessels in the skin or internal organs.
- vasculitis
- inflammation of the blood vessels.
- vasodilation
- dilation of the blood vessels.
- vaxsyn
- a candidate anti-HIV vaccine based on the gp160 protein.
- vdrl test
- Venereal Disease Research Laboratories test, a blood test for syphilis. See also FTA-ABS, RPR test.
- vector
- an agent used as a vehicle for transfer. A disease vector is an agent that transfers a pathogen from one organism to another (e.g., an insect). A viral vector is an engineered virus used to introduce genes into cells, or a live virus used as an antigen delivery vehicle in a vaccine.
- ventricle
- a partition, sac or cavity (e.g., the fluid-filled spaces in the center of the brain, the chambers of the heart).
- vertical transmission
- transmission from a mother to a fetus or newborn. Vertical transmission may occur in utero (in the womb), intrapartum (during birth) or postpartum (via breast-feeding). Contrast with horizontal transmission. (perinatal transmission, mat)
- vertigo
- dizziness, a malfunction of the inner ear that makes the patient feel like everything is whirling around.
- Videx
- brand name of ddI.
- vif
- a gene of HIV; also the protein produced by that gene.
- villus
- finger-like projections of the intestinal wall that provide a large surface for the absorption of nutrients. (plural villi)
- vinblastine
- a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat various malignancies including Kaposi's sarcoma. Side effects include bone marrow suppression. (velban)
- vincristine
- a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat various neoplastic (cancerous) conditions including Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphoma. Side effects include peripheral neuropathy. (oncovin)
- violaceous
- purple.
- viracept
- brand name of nelfinavir.
- viral burden
- see viral load.
- viral load
- a group of tests that measure the amount of HIV in the blood. The two most commonly used viral load methods are PCR and bDNA.
- viral turnover
- the rate at which a virus dies and is regenerated.
- viremia
- the presence of virus in the blood.
- virilization
- development of mature masculine characteristics in a girl, woman or prepubescent boy.
- virion
- a complete virus particle that exists outside of a host cell.
- virology
- the study of viruses and diseases caused by viruses.
- virucide
- a substance that can kill or destroy viruses. Contrast with virustatic.
- virulence
- aggressiveness, ability to cause disease. (adjective virulent)
- virus
- a submicroscopic organism that can replicate only when it is inside another cell.
- virustatic
- a substance that has the ability to inhibit growth and/or reproduction of viruses without killing them. Contrast with virucide.
- viscera
- the major internal organs of the body (e.g., intestines, liver). (adjective visceral)
- vistide
- brand name of cidofovir.
- vitamin
- an organic substance that acts as a coenzyme and/or regulator of metabolic processes. There are 13 known vitamins, most of which are present in foods or supplements; some are produced within the body. Vitamins are crucial for many bodily functions including a healthy immune response.
- vitamin a
- a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties that is essential for proper immune system functioning including lymphocyte development and maturation. Vitamin A deficiency is associated with impaired mucosal immunity and increased risk of vertical transmission of HIV. Excess vitamin A may be toxic to the liver. The vitamin is synthesized from beta carotene within the body.
- vitamin b
- a complex of several important vitamins including B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin). Vitamin B1 is needed for nerve signal transmission; deficiency may lead to neuropathy. Vitamin B2 is needed for the metabolism of amino acids; deficiency can result in eye and mouth pain and mental changes. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the production of many enzymes and chemical messengers (e.g., neurotransmitters); deficiency is linked to neuropathy and mental depression, skin rashes, nausea and seizures. Vitamin B12 is needed for red blood cell production and DNA synthesis and repair; deficiency may result in anemia, neurological dysfunction, neuropathy and changes in mental status.
- vitamin c (ascorbic acid, ascorbate)
- an antioxidant vitamin that protects cells from oxidative damage. Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen (e.g., for wound healing), hormones and neurotransmitters; it may have a role in fighting infection. Deficiency results in poor healing, easy bruising and anemia.
- vitamin d
- a vitamin that is important for mineral metabolism and which may play a role in immune function. Vitamin D is manufactured within the skin when exposed to sunlight. Deficiency is uncommon, and may result in weak bones and kidney stones.
- vitamin e (tocopherol)
- an antioxidant vitamin that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. Deficiency is rare, and may lead to peripheral neuropathy, poor balance and reduced reflexes. Alpha tocopherol and gamma tocopherol are 2 forms of the vitamin.
- vitamin k
- a fat-soluble vitamin, available in foods and manufactured by intestinal bacteria, that is essential for blood coagulation and important in certain energy transfer reactions.
- vitreous humor
- a transparent, colorless mass of soft, gelatinous material that fills the back portion of the eye, from the lens in front to the retina in back.
- vomcristine
- a chemotherapeutic drug used in the treatment of malignant conditions, (e.g., Kaposi's sarcoma, lymphoma).
- vpr
- a gene of HIV; also the protein produced by the VPR gene. The VPR protein is believed to play a role in HIV infectivity and pathogenesis.
- vpu
- a gene of HIV; also the protein produced by that gene.
- vulva
- the external female genitalia, including the clitoris and the inner and outer labia surrounding the urethral and vaginal openings.
- vulvovaginal candidiasis
- see vaginal candidiasis
- vzv
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