HIV Dictionary

acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): A collection of symptoms and infections resulting from the specific damage to the immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in humans, and similar viruses in other species (SIV, FIV, etc.).

acute HIV infection: The amount of HIV in the blood gets very high within a few days or weeks after HIV infection. Some people get a flu-like illness. This first stage of HIV disease is called "acute HIV infection" or "primary HIV infection."

bacillary angiomatosis: Rarely seen in people not infected with HIV, this infection first appears as purplish to bright red patches on the skin. It often resembles Kaposi's sarcoma, but it can cause disease in other parts of the body, including the liver and spleen.

bacterial pneumonia: This is one of the most common opportunistic infections occurring in people living with HIV/AIDS. Dozens of types of bacteria can cause bacterial pneumonia, which may develop on its own or after you've had an upper respiratory infection such as a cold or the flu.

candidiasis: A common HIV-related infection. It causes inflammation and a thick white coating on the mucous membranes of your mouth, tongue (thrush), esophagus (Candida esophagitis) or vagina. Children may have especially severe symptoms in the mouth or esophagus, which can make eating painful and difficult.

CD4 count: Tells doctors how strong the immune system is and how far HIV disease has advanced (the stage of the disease), and helps predict the risk of complications and debilitating infections. The CD4 count is most useful when it is compared with the count obtained from an earlier test. The CD4 count is used in combination with the viral load test, which measures the level of HIV in the blood, to determine the staging and outlook of the disease.

cryptococcal meningitis: Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord (meninges). Cryptococcal meningitis, the most common central nervous system infection associated with HIV, is caused by a fungus that is present in soil. Symptoms include headache, high fever, a stiff neck and sensitivity to light. Cryptococcal meningitis can be successfully treated with antifungal medications, but early treatment is essential.

cryptosporidiosis: This infection is caused by an intestinal parasite that's commonly found in animals. Cryptosporidiosis can be contracted when ingesting contaminated food or water. The parasite grows in the intestines and bile ducts, leading to severe, chronic diarrhea in people with AIDS.

cytomegalovirus (CMV): Common herpes virus is transmitted in body fluids such as saliva, blood, urine, semen and breast milk. More than half the adult population has been infected. But a healthy immune system inactivates the virus, and it remains dormant in your body. If your immune system weakens, the virus resurfaces, causing damage to your eyes, digestive tract, lungs or other organs. Most commonly, CMV causes infection and inflammation of your retina (CMV retinitis). If not treated, CMV retinitis can lead to blindness.