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.
Glossary
Selected words and phrases
log value – a number expressed as a factor of 10 – ie 2 logs = 10 x 10=100; 3 logs = 10 x 10 x 10=1000. This measurement is used when needing to include very large and very small numbers on the same scale. A reduction by one log is a 90% reduction. A reduction by two logs is a 99% reduction etc.
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.
pegylated interferon (PEG interferon) – treatment for hepatitis C, given in combination with ribavirin. Given as a onceweekly injection.
DEXA – a non-invasive scan that can measure the percentage of different body areas (whole body, trunk, right leg etc) that are muscle or fat. DEXA scans cannot determine if this is central fat (visceral adipose tissue, VAT) or sub-cutaneous fat (under the skin).
DEXA scan also can measure bone density and is used to monitor risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.