nucleotide – the building blocks of the genetic code (DNA/RNA). Also called a base.
Glossary
Selected words and phrases
monoinfection – infection with only one virus
axis – line on a graph to measure data. Graphs usually have a vertical axis (y-axis) and horizontal axis (x-axis). An axis should show what is being measured and the units of measurement, eg ‘time (in minutes)’.
surrogate marker – A surrogate marker is when something that is easy to measure is used as a marker for something that is difficult to measure directly.
The CD4 count doesn’t directly measure HIV. But it is a good surrogate (or indirect) marker for how HIV has damaged your immune system. It is closely linked to the risk of HIV-related complications.
Viral load in blood is a good surrogate marker for levels of HIV in your body overall including in other body sites.
BD (or bid) – a short hand term for medication dosing that means ‘twice-daily’.