Glossary

chorioamnionitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the foetus (called the chorion and the amnion). Chorioamnionitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection.

randomised controlled trial (RCT) – a type of research study that produces very high quality results. RCTs are often called gold-standard – ie the best evidence.

Study participants are randomly assigned to one of more study arm. One or more arms might use new drugs and another (the control arm) maybe uses the standard of care, or maybe a placebo.

See: randomise

percentage (%) – a number as a proportion of 100.

cotrimoxazole is combination two antibiotics (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole). Tradenames include Septrin and Bactrim.

Abbreviations for this combination include SXT, TMP-SMX, TMP-SMZ or TMP-sulfa.

Cotrimoxazole is commonly used in HIV care as a prophylaxis against PCP and toxoplasmosis. Everyone with a CD4 count that is less than 200 cells/mm³ need to also take cotrimoxazole until their CD4 count becomes higher.

Different guidelines recommend continuing with cotrimoxazole at different CD4 counts, depending on which country you live in. Sometimes this is at 100, 200, 350 or sometimes higher.

After being on effective ART for 3 to 6 months, cotrimoxazole can be stopped after the CD4 count increases to above 100 cells/mm³. This is only if they have never had PCP. Anyone who has previously had PCP, it is recommended to continue until the CD4 count is above 200 cells/mm³. This is based on EACS guidelines (v11.1, October 2022).

In countries with high risk of malaria or severe bacterial infections, prophylaxis should continue, irrespective of CD4 count on ART. There are also different recommendations for children and in other specific circumstances. (WHO consolidated guidelines, 2021)

See PCP and toxoplasmosis sections of the training manual.

RNA – an abbreviation for the scientific word for genetic material found in some types of viruses. It is the abbreviation for ribonucleic acid. It is very similar to DNA but is single-strand rather than the double-strand in DNA. See DNA.