Glossary

cryptococcus (crypto) – a fungal infection. Can cause meningitis.

Atherosclerosis refers to a narrowing or hardening of large and medium sized arteries.

The narrowing is caused by a build-up of plaque, and usually takes many years.

As the walls of the artery thicken, the heart has to work harder to pump the same amount of blood through a narrower gap.

free radical – a chemical produced after a molecular reaction, often containing oxygen, that has one ‘free’ unpaired electron on its outer surface. This makes it able to react and damage other cells, and perhaps increase progression of cardiovascular disease, cancers and aging. See antioxidant.

escape mutation – a mutation or change in the genetic structure of HIV that makes it easier to evade the persons immune system (rather than a mutation that stops an HIV drug from working).

CD4% – percentage of total lymphocytes (white blood cells) that are CD4 cells.

The CD4% is generally more stable than the CD4 count. For example, if you ever get a CD4 count that is much lower than you expect, first see whether the CD4% has changed too,

If the CD4% is still roughly the same then the low CD4 count is unlikely to show a real change.