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.
Glossary
Selected words and phrases
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.
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.
enzyme – a protein produced in the body that triggers or speeds up other chemical reactions.
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.