meningitis – inflammation (-itis) of the meninges (part of fluid that surrounds the brain). Meningitis can be caused by different infections – ie bacterial meningitis (from bacterial infection), viral meningitis (form a virus) etc.
Glossary
Selected words and phrases
virology – the study of viruses.
STI (sexually transmitted infection) – other STIs include herpes, gonorrhoea and syphilis etc.
prenatal – before birth. The time in which the foetus (developing baby) grows in the uterus.
ALT, alanine aminotransferase, also called serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase; SGPT) – a key liver enzyme produced in liver cells. ALT is routinely monitored in HIVpositive people on ARVs to monitor liver toxicity from HIV drugs (or other medications). Increased ALT signals liver injury, but does not indicate how serious liver damage is.