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Glossary

Selected words and phrases

escape mutation – a mutation or change in the genetic structure of HIV that makes it easier to evade the persons immune system (rather than a mutation that stops an HIV drug from working).

arrhythmia is the medical terms for a disturbance of the heart’s natural rhythm.

  • tachycardia refers to when the heart beats too fast.
  • bradycardia is when the heart beats too slowly.

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.

hepatotoxicity – the medical term for liver-related side effects

ChemSex is a common term used by gay men for drug use that includes at least one of these three recreational drugs: meth, meph and G.

  • Methamphetamine (crystal/crystal meth/Tina/meth).
  • Mephedrone (meph/drone).
  • GHB/GBL* (G, Gina).

Differences between ChemSex and recreational drugs.