Glossary

genotype (or genotypic) – This term has several common uses:

1. a general term for the molecular structure of a living organism or virus.

2. a test that looks at the structure of an organism of virus (ie genotype resistance test looks for changes in the virus structure – called mutations).

3. a category for different types of similar viruses – ie hepatitis C has many subtypes, referred to as genotype-1, genotype-2 etc. HCV genotype is the strongest predictor of response to hepatitis C treatment.

See also phenotype.

ribavirin – drug used to boost the efficacy of pegylated interferon to treat hepatitis C. Given as twice-daily capsules.

clinical failure – when you develop new symptoms and illnesses even though you are on treatment. See virological failure.

IM (intra-muscular) – injecting into a muscle. See IV (intravenous) and SC (sub-cutaneous).

event-based dosing –  See EBD.