Glossary

cholesterol – kind of lipid (blood fat).

encephalopathy – degenerative brain function or disease

RITA – this is a type of HIV test that can indicate whether you recemtly became HIV positive. This is defined as being the last six months.

RITA stands for Recent Infection Treatment Algorithm. In the UK, this test is used to be called STARHS (Serological Testing Algorithm for Recent HIV Seroconversion).

It is also sometimes called a de-tuned or recency HIV test.

See this Q&A on RITA testing.

retrovirus – a family of viruses that includes HIV.

mega-HAART – a term for a drug combination that uses five or more HIV drugs, usually including 2–3 protease inhibitors. Rarely used now.