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.T
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| T Cell |
See CD4 cell. |
| T Lymphocyte Proliferation Assay (LPA) |
A laboratory test that measures how well a person's immune system is functioning. It can be used to measure improvements following antiretroviral therapy and to detect the presence of antibodies against specific opportunistic infections. |
| T.I.D. |
A term meaning that pills should be taken three times a day. |
| TB |
See tuberculosis. |
| TBA |
See traditional birth attendant. |
| Therapeutic HIV Vaccine |
A vaccine designed to boost the immune response to HIV in a person already infected with the virus. Also called an 'immunotherapeutic vaccine'. |
| Thrush |
See candida albicans. |
| Topical |
Usually referred to how to apply a medication; directly to the skin or mucous membranes (such as the mouth, anus, or vagina). |
| Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) |
Nutrition, or food, given intravenously (through a needle attached to a bag containing a liquid with all the nutrients necessary to keep a person alive). It can be given to hospitalized AIDS patients who can longer get their nutrition through eating. |
| Toxicity |
An adverse side effect of a medication or drug that is harmful to a person's health. The level of toxicity can range from annoying to life threatening. |
| Toxoplasmosis |
An infection of the brain caused by a parasite found in the feces of domestic animals such as cows, cats and dogs. A person can be infected without knowing it. It is a risk for HIV-positive individuals with very low CD4 counts, and requires an indefinite course of medication to prevent it from reoccurring. Symptoms include fever, headache, confusion, seizures and, if untreated, coma. |
| Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) |
A midwife or other health care worker skilled or experienced in delivering babies. |
| Traditional Medicine |
A medical knowledge system used and practiced for centuries before modern, Western medicine. It involves using plant, animal and mineral-based medicines, spiritual therapies and manual techniques and exercises. Many PLWHIV who do not have access to ART seek help from traditional practitioners or healers. |
| Treatment Literacy |
The level of a patient's understanding of the functions and limitations of antiretroviral medication and treatment. |
| Treatment Trial |
Trying out period when new treatments and new combinations of medication are tested. |
