The following glossary lists key definitions for HIV, AIDS, reproductive health, medical conditions and pharmaceuticals (medications or drugs) related to HIV and AIDS.
There are 420 entries in this glossary.L
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Latency |
A period of little or no activity (usually a time during which the virus is quiet and not reproducing). However, even when people has no symptoms, the virus may still be active. A viral load test can determine if the virus is in a period of latency. See viral load. |
| Lentivirus |
“slow” virus characterized by a long interval between infection and the onset of symptoms. HIV is a Lentivirus, as is the simian immune-deviancy virus (SIV) that infects non- human primates. |
| Lesion |
Scratches, bumps, wounds, scars, tumors, insect bites, rashes, and flat patches in or on the body. Abnormalities of internal organs are often called lesions. |
| Leukocytes |
Any of the various white blood cells that together make up the immune system. |
| Leukocytosis |
An abnormally high number of leukocytes in the blood. This condition can occur during many types of infection and inflammation. |
| Leukopenia |
A decrease in the number of white blood cells. |
| LGV |
See Lymphogranuloma venereum. |
| LIPID |
Any of a group of fats and fat like compounds, including sterols, fatty acids, and many other substances. |
| Live-Vector Vaccine |
A vaccine that uses a small amount of the organism (usually a virus) that the vaccine was designed to attack when it enters the body. The organism is a weakened version of a live virus. Live-vector vaccines (such as for yellow fever) should be avoided for HIV-positive individuals. Also, see vaccine, immunization, and memory cell. |
| LOG |
Changes in viral load are often reported as logarithmic or “log changes.” This mathematical term denotes a change in value of what is being measured by a factor of 10. |
| Long-Term Non-Progression |
The term used for a person with HIV infection who does not develop AIDS. It can include people who have responded very well to treatment, people who have mounted an effective, long-term immunologic response to HIV, and people who have a weak, non-disease-producing strain of the virus. It usually implies that the person has had HIV infection for ten years or longer and is clinically well, with normal or near-normal CD4 counts. |
| Lymph |
A fluid that runs through lymph nodes and into the bloodstream. It plays a major role in the body's immune response to infections. HIV is very active in the lymphoid system, especially the lymph nodes. See lymph node. |
| Lymph Node |
Areas in the body (as part of the lymphoid system) where immune reactions occur. They are found in the neck, around the collarbone, in the armpit, and in the groin area. They range in size from peas to kidney beans. During a physical exam, doctors usually feel these places, looking for swollen lymph nodes, which are a sign that active infection is present. |
| Lymphadenopathy Syndrome (LAS) |
Swollen, firm, and possibly tender lymph nodes. The cause may range from an infection such as HIV, the flu, or mononucleosis to lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes). |
| Lymphocyte |
A type of white blood cell that is primarily responsible for immune responses. It is present in the blood, lymph and lymphoid tissues. Also, see B cell and T cell. |
