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Glossary

Selected words and phrases

blip – small, occasional increase in viral load.

BMI (body mass index) – a calculation usingĀ  height and weight that is used to decide whether someone is over or under weight.

Online BMI calculator.

lymph node – small bodies in the lymphatic system, particularly at the neck, armpit, and groin, that filter bacteria and foreign particles. During infection, lymph nodes may become swollen with white blood cells (lymphocytes) fighting the infection.

bile duct – a tube that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and then to the small intestine biopsy: taking a small sample of body tissue for examination and testing in the laboratory

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