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.
Glossary
Selected words and phrases
CD4 cells are white blood cells in your immune system. CD4 cells signal to CD8 cells to destroy a virus. CD4 cells are also used by HIV as factories to reproduce in.
cirrhosis – severe scarring of the liver (see fibrosis) that makes it difficult for the liver to carry out its functions
primary HIV infection (PHI) – early infection (usually first six months with after HIV infection). Sometimes called acute infection.