Glossary

peer support – support provided by people who share the same experience or problem. HIV peer support is provided by other HIV-positive people.

genotype (or genotypic) – This term has several common uses:

1. a general term for the molecular structure of a living organism or virus.

2. a test that looks at the structure of an organism of virus (ie genotype resistance test looks for changes in the virus structure – called mutations).

3. a category for different types of similar viruses – ie hepatitis C has many subtypes, referred to as genotype-1, genotype-2 etc. HCV genotype is the strongest predictor of response to hepatitis C treatment.

See also phenotype.

drug resistant (HIV) – HIV that is harder to treat because of genetic changes.

nucleus – the central part of some cells that contains DNA.

Hickman line – a fixed central line that is used to deliver IV drugs close to where they are needed in the body.