Glossary

stage (staging) – the stage of hepatitis infection refers to the amount of scaring (fibrosis), from results from a biposy. It is usually measured on the Metavir scale of 0 to 4, where 0 represents no scarring and 4 cirrhosis, or on the Knodell scale of 0 to 6, where 0 is no scarring and 6 cirrhosis. See grading.

ARV – a drug that works against a retrovirus, eg treatment for HIV. See: antiretroviral.

drug resistant mutation – a mutation or change that occurs in the HIV genome that reduces a drugs ability to work.

drug resistant (HIV) – HIV that is harder to treat because of genetic changes.

syphilis – an STI that is a bacterial infection, usually transmitted by sexual contact. Untreated, syphilis can cause serious injury to an unborn baby.