Glossary

lumbar puncture – taking a sample of spinal fluid by inserting a needle into the body at the base of the spine. Also called a spinal tap.

boosted-PI – a protease inhibitor taken with an additional dose of ritonavir. The ritonavir boost levels of the protease inhibitor by either increasing the initial drugs levels or reducing how quickly or reducing how quickly it is removed by your body. Ritonavir (itself a protease inhibitor) is currently the only drug used in this way. Other boosters are in development including cobicistat which has no direct anti-HIV activity.

neonate – a baby that is 0 to 28 days old.

platelet – a blood cell that helps with blood clotting.

primary HIV infection (PHI) – early infection (usually first six months with after HIV infection). Sometimes called acute infection.