Glossary

primary mutation – see major mutation.

reinfection – catching HIV a second time. When an HIV-positive becomes infected with second strain or type of HIV. Sometimes called superinfection.

life cyle – the steps for an organism to reproduce or replicate.

The HIV life cycle includes:

• Attachment and binding to a CD4 cell).
• Fusion or joining the cell.
• Reverse transcription. When the single strand RNA becomes a double strand DNA.
• Integration. When the new double-strand virus enter the CD4 cell nucleus and is integrated into humn DNA.
• Replication. When new viral material is produced from the nucleus.
• Assembly and maturation. When new viral mateiral is cut up and reassembed to become new active virus.
• Budding. When the new virus leaves the CD4 cell.

See: HIV life cycle – how different drugs work in different ways.

mega-HAART – a term for a drug combination that uses five or more HIV drugs, usually including 2–3 protease inhibitors. Rarely used now.

epoetin-alpha (EPO) – a treatment for anaemia, given by injection. Used to reduce side effect of hepatitis C treatment.