Glossary

CCR5 inhibitor – type of HIV drug (an entry inhibitor) that blocks HIV from getting into a CD4 cell. CCR5 is a co-receptor on the surface of a CD4 cell that HIV uses to attach itself to the cell. CCR5 inhibitors block that process. Maraviroc is currently the only approved CCR5 inhibitor.

Drug targets in the virus life cycle.

thrombocytopenia – a low platelet count (platelets help stop bleeding by clotting blood).

bradycardia is when the heart beats too slowly.

tachycardia refers to when the heart beats too fast.

See: arrhythmia

cervical smear – test to look for abnormal cells in the cervix and uterus.

primary HIV infection (PHI) – early infection (usually first six months with after HIV infection). Sometimes called acute infection.