Glossary

free radical – a chemical produced after a molecular reaction, often containing oxygen, that has one ‘free’ unpaired electron on its outer surface. This makes it able to react and damage other cells, and perhaps increase progression of cardiovascular disease, cancers and aging. See antioxidant.

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.

mg (milligram) – abbreviation for milligram. 1000 milligrams = 1 gram.

EVR (early virological response) – a 99% (2-log ) drop in HCV viral load after 12 weeks of HCV treatment.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) – a short course of HIV treatment to HIV to reduce the chance of infection. See prophylaxis and PrEP.