revertant mutation – this term is used in two ways.
Firstly when referring to a genetic change that shows the virus is returning from a drug resistant mutation back to a wild-type genotype. This can sometimes take several stages. For example, T215E/D/E and S are revertant mutations that can indicate the drug resistant mutation T215Y is being replaced by wild-type (i.e. T215T).
It can also refer to the fitness of a virus. A revertant mutation can refer to an additional mutation that allows the virus to regain viral fitness (most drug mutations also make the vurs less fit). The second example is called a compensatory mutation as is compensates for the reduced fitness caused by the first mutation.
microbicide – a gel that may protect against infection.In reference to HIV, this is usually referring to a gel that could be applied before sex. In 2010 a study called Caprisa 004 provided the first evidence that a microbicide (in this case a gel containing the HIV drug tenofovir) might protect against HIV infection.
spinal tap – See lumbar puncture.
prophylaxis – a treatment taken before an illness in order to prevent it occuring. Primary prophylaxis is the terming for taking a preventative treatment before ever having had the illness. Secondary prophylaxis is the term for continuing to take a treatment to prevent the illness coming back.
point of care – referring to you doctors office (or wherever you access care)
