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CSF – cerebral spinal fluid – the fluid that circulates around the brain and spinal column.

C-section – Caesarean section, procedure to deliver a baby that involves making a cut through the abdominal wall to surgically remove the infant from the uterus.

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

cross-resistance – when resistance to one drug causes resistance to other similar drugs. This commonly happens for every class or family of HIV drugs: nukes, NNRTIs, PIs, integrase inhibitors and entry inhibitors.

cross-over study – where patients in a study ‘roll-over’ to a second related study. For example, this can be after a fixed period in a study (ie after 48 weeks) or after another event (for example, not having a treatment …

compartment – place in the body that has barriers limiting both HIV and HIV drugs from moving freely. Key sites include the brian, the genital tract and some organs. Also called sanctuary sites.

combination – mixture of drugs to treat HIV.

CMV (cytomegalovirus) – a viral infection. CMV retinitis is an HIV-related infection that can cause permanent vision loss in someone with a CD4 count that is below 50 cells/mm3. More information on CMV.

Cmin or Ctrough – lowest concentration of a drug just before the next dose. What happens when you take a drug?

Cmax – highest concentration of a drug after a dose. What happens when you take a drug?

clinical failure – when you develop new symptoms and illnesses even though you are on treatment. See virological failure.

chronic infection – established infection (everything after the first 6 months)

chronic – long-term.

chorionic villus sampling – test in which cells around an embryo are removed and examined to detect genetic abnormalities.

cholesterol – kind of lipid (blood fat).

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

central line – tube inserted into a deep vein to deliver medicine (Hickman line or PortaCath).

CDC – Centre for Disease Control, part of the USA health administration.

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 …

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 …