Glossary

fusion inhibitor – a type of HIV drug (an entry inhibitor). Fusion inhibitors stops HIV ‘fusing’ to a CD4 cell. T-20 (enfuvirtide, Fuzeon) is only currently licensed fusion inhibitor.

Drug targets in the virus life cycle.

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.

jaundice – a common symptom of hepatitis where increased levels of bilirubin lead to a yellowing of the skin or eyes.

EVR (early virological response) – a 99% (2-log ) drop in HCV viral load after 12 weeks of HCV treatment.

recency HIV test – this is a type of HIV test that can indicate whether you recemtly became HIV positive. This is defined as being the last six months.

It is sometimes called a detuned or RITA test (Recent Infection Treatment Algorithm). In the UK, this test is used to be called STARHS (Serological Testing Algorithm for Recent HIV Seroconversion).

It is also sometimes called a de-tuned or recency HIV test.

See this Q&A on RITA testing.