Glossary

CDC – Centre for Disease Control, part of the USA health administration.

lymph (or lymphatic) system – vessels, nodes, organs and clear fluid, that are part of the immune system.

microbicide – a gel that may protect against infection.In reference to HIV, this is usually referring to a gel that could be applied before sex. In 2010 a study called Caprisa 004 provided the first evidence that a microbicide (in this case a gel containing the HIV drug tenofovir) might protect against HIV infection.

insulin – a hormone that helps the body turn sugar into energy. Low insulin sensitivity is when the body uses insulin less well than usual (this is also called insulin resistance).

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