Glossary

IRIS (immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome) – illnesses that occur when HIV treatment is started when the CD4 count is very low.

IRIS occurs because the immune system quickly becomes stronger and identifies infections that it was previously too weak to fight.

IRIS can occur in 1 in 4 (25%) people who start with a CD4 count under 50 cells/mm³.

Although the symtoms are serious, IRIS can usually be easily managed.

Common infections related to IRIS include TB and CMV.

qualitative (in a study) – where what is being measured either fits one of several categories, or includes descriptive results.

benign – not harmful.

active – an active drug is a drug that still works to reduce viral load. The virus is still sensitive to that drug.

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