Glossary

virological failure – the term for when viral load levels never reach undetectable, or if they rebound to higher levels after previously being undetectable. See clinical failure.

resistance tests – tests to show changes to HIV that are associated with drug resistance. Genotype resistance test looks for genetic changes. Phenotype resistance test see whether individual drugs are still active when placed in a test tube with HIV.

Resistance tests.

jaundice – a common symptom of hepatitis where increased levels of bilirubin lead to a yellowing of the skin or eyes.

surrogate marker – A surrogate marker is when something that is easy to measure is used as a marker for something that is difficult to measure directly.

The CD4 count doesn’t directly measure HIV. But it is a good surrogate (or indirect) marker for how HIV has damaged your immune system. It is closely linked to the risk of HIV-related complications.

Viral load in blood is a good surrogate marker for levels of HIV in your body overall including in other body sites.

interferon – see pegylated interferon.