A - B C - F G - L M - R S - Z

Abstinence – Sexual abstinence means different things to different people. In general it refers to a personal choice to refrain from sexual activity, including vaginal and anal intercourse, and oral sex.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) – A state of illness in which the individual is HIV positive and has a CD4 (Helper T-cell) count below 200 or the presence of one or more opportunistic infections.

Anal Sex - A form of sexual intercourse (occurring in both male-to-male and male-to-female relationships) in which the penis is inserted into the anus of the sexual partner.

Anonymous Testing - The assignment of a code (i.e., a number, letters, combination of numbers and letters or false name) to ensure that not even the individual administering the test can associate the results with a name; ensures testing confidentiality. The person’s name can not be associated with test taken.

Antibody (Immunoglobulin) - Disease fighting protein circulating throughout the body to fight disease causing microorganisms (i.e., viruses, bacteria, parasite, fungi); created by specific white blood cells of the immune system in response to a foreign organism entering the body. Antibodies destroy, render ineffective or identify disease causing organisms for destruction by other immune cells. For more information click here.

Antibody Negative Test Result (Seronegative) – No HIV antibodies have been detected in the blood; test findings can mean one of two things: person is HIV positive but has taken the test during the window period so antibodies are not yet detectable; or the person is not HIV infected.

Antibody Positive Test Result (Seropositive) – HIV antibodies have been detected in the blood; person is HIV infected.

Asymptomatic – Having no signs or symptoms of disease or illness. An HIV infected individual can be asymptomatic anywhere from a few months to ten or more years.

Autologous Blood Donation – A person donates his or her blood for their personal use at a later time (usually for an elective surgery procedure).

AZT (ADV or Ziovudine) – A drug used to prevent HIV from replicating itself in the body; has proven to be quite successful in reducing perinatal transmission.

B-cell – A lymphocyte that circulates in the body identifying foreign organisms (i.e., viruses, parasites, bacteria, fungi) to be destroyed; transforms into plasma cells and produces specific antibodies once a foreign microorganism is identified. For more information please click here.

Bisexual – A person who is attracted to or engages in sexual activity with people regardless of their gender.

Bladder - Hollow organ that stores urine prior to its excretion from the body.

Bloodborne Disease – Infectious organisms such as HIV, whose primary means of transmission is through blood and/or other body fluids.

Blood-to-Blood Contact – The blood of two or more people mixing together as a result of contact, i.e., perinatally, needle/syringe sharing, organ transplants, and blood transfusions (last two listed are rare).

Body Fluids – Fluids of the human body. Body fluids identified with HIV transmission are blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, and other body fluids containing blood (fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, bone joints and that found in the uterus surrounding the unborn baby).

Body Modification – Refers to any procedure not medically necessary that changes or alters the form of the body. Types of body modifications include, tattooing, piercing, branding and ritual scarification. Modern cosmetic surgery falls under this definition as well. For a body modification glossary, click here.

Casual Contact – Contact resulting from common interaction (i.e., touching, kissing, hugging, touching objects touched by an infected individual, toilet seats).

Cervix – Part of the female reproductive system; the rounded lower portion, or neck, of the uterus, which protrudes into the vagina.

CD4+ - A protein structure on the surface of cells of the immune system; HIV enters the cell by attaching itself to the CD4+ receptors. Once inside the cell, HIV begins to replicate itself, and over time renders the immune system defenseless.

CD4+T (Helper T Cells, T-helper Cells; T4) – A type of lymphocyte; regulates the immune system, signaling immune cells to get to work in defending the body against foreign organisms (i.e., viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi). These cells tells one type of immune cells (B Cells) to begin making antibodies; it influences what type of antibodies other immune cells will produce; some T cells (CD8+T Cells) can become killer cells and destroy infected cells.

CD4+ Count (T Cell Count) – The number of helper T cells in a cubic milliliter of blood. As the CD4 cell count decreases, the risk of developing opportunistic infections increases. According to the CDC, an HIV infected individual is diagnosed as having AIDS when their CD4+ count is lower than 200 or they have one or more opportunistic infections. The normal range for CD4 cell counts is 500 – 1500 per cubic millimeter of blood.

CD8 Cells (Killer Cells, T8) – White blood cells with CD8 protein on their surface. Helps destroy foreign agents (i.e., viruses and bacteria) entering the body.

CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) – An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, located in Atlanta Georgia. It is recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the nation’s health and safety through the development and application of disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities. For more information, click here.

Chronic – A prolonged, lingering or recurring state of disease.

Cofactor – Conditions, activities, or substances that can influence an individual’s progression or susceptibility to a given disease or illness. Examples of cofactors related to HIV infection include alcohol and other drug abuse, stress, poor nutrition, and other infections such as sexually transmitted infections.

Communicable Disease - Any disease that can be transmitted from person-to-person, animal-to-person, or animal-to-animal.

Condom - [Common street names: rubbers, jimmy, hat, protection, shield, raincoat] A thin sheath of latex (rubber), polyurethane (plastic), or animal tissue used as a barrier against the exchange of body fluids during sexual activity. When used correctly condoms (not made of animal tissue) can provide protection against pregnancy, HIV and some sexually transmitted infections. The male condom fits over the erect penis. The female condom (made of polyurethane) fits inside the vagina; can also be inserted into the anus. For more information, please click here.

Confidential Testing - The person’s name and other identifying information, such as an address, are recorded with the test; while test results are only given to the person receiving the test, they may be accessible to some individuals (i.e., medical and other health care staff including social workers) having access to the medical record. The person can be identified with the test taken.

Cooker – Injecting drug paraphernalia; a cap, spoon or other item used to “cook” or prepare drug for use in a syringe or needle.

Dementia – A chronic, progressive and generally irreversible loss in mental capabilities. Symptoms can include memory loss and confusion affecting the ability to function in a social or occupational setting.

Diagnosis – confirmation of a specific disease or infection; usually determine through the evaluation of clinical symptoms and laboratory test results.

Disinfectant – A chemical which inactivates or destroys disease causing agents on a surface or item to the point where they are no longer capable of transmitting infection; and the surface or item is rendered safe for handling, use, or disposal.

Donor – An individual who voluntarily gives blood, organs, body tissue, eggs or semen for the use of another.

Down Low – A term for African American men who self-identify as heterosexual but secretly engage in same sex activity (MSM). While the term is culturally specific to African American men, the behavior is not.

Dry Kiss – A kiss that does not involve open mouth contact.

Ejaculation – The discharge of semen during orgasm.

ELISA (EIA) – Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay also known as Enzyme Immunoassay; a test used to detect the presence of HIV antibodies in an individual’s blood or oral fluids.

Enzyme Immunoassay – See ELISA.

Epidemic - Fast-spreading disease or illness: an outbreak of a disease or illness that spreads more quickly and more extensively among a population than would normally be expected.

Gay – A male homosexual.

Helper-T Cells – See CD4+T.

Hemoglobin – An iron-protein compound in red blood cells that gives blood its red color; carries oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body and carries carbon dioxide from the cells back to the lungs.

Heterosexual (Straight) – A person who is sexually and non-sexually attracted to members of the opposite sex.

High Risk Behavior – For HIV, it is any behavior that places an individual at risk of unprotected exposure to another person’s body fluids (i.e., sharing drug paraphernalia, particularly needles and syringes; contact with someone’s blood; engaging in unprotected sexual activity without knowing the sexual partner’s HIV status).

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Disease) – The virus that over time leads to AIDS in the vast majority of HIV infected individuals.

HIV Antibody Test – Any of a variety of tests used to identify the presence of HIV antibodies in blood, other body fluids and organs.

HIV Infection - Positive result on a HIV antibody test, followed by a positive result on a second confirmatory (more sensitive and specific) test for HIV antibody (e.g., Western Blot Test).

HIV Positive – Person, body fluids, or organs infected with HIV.

Homosexual (Gay, Lesbian) – A person who is sexually and non-sexually attracted to members of the same gender.

IDU – Injecting drug use/user; a person who injects/shoots drugs into their body.

Immune System - Group of cells, and organs (i.e., tonsils, adenoids, lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, appendix, and bone marrow) that act together to defend the body against foreign organisms (i.e., bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi) that may cause disease The health of the body is dependent on the immune system ’s ability to recognize and then repel or destroy these organisms. For a graphic representation, click here. For more detailed information, please click here.

Incidence – The frequency in which a disease or illness occurs within a given population over a period of time.

Incubation Period – The interval between the time somebody is infected with a disease and the appearance of its first symptoms.

Infection - The invasion of the body by disease causing organisms (i.e., bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi) and their multiplication which can lead to tissue damage and disease.

Intravenous Drug Use – The shooting of drugs directly into the vein; see IDU.

Interstitial Fluid – see lymph

Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS) – A form of cancer which can be found in the tissues under the skin or mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and anus; can spread to other organs of the body; appears as raised red purple patches or nodules; an AIDS related opportunistic infection. For more information click here.

Lesbian – A female homosexual.

Lubricant – A substance used to reduce friction during sex (i.e., K-Y Jelly); when used with condoms must be water based as oil based lubricants breaks down the latex.

Lymph (Interstitial Fluid) – The clear fluid between the cells of the body; carries microscopic particles such as white blood cells, and other substances necessary for the cell’s health; it is transported to the blood stream through the lymphatic vessels.

Lymph Nodes (Lymph Glands) – Small bean shaped organs of the immune system located in clusters along the paths of the larger lymphatic vessels (i.e., neck, armpit, and groin); produces and stores lymphocytes, filters lymph and removes foreign material (i.e. bacterial). The lymph nodes enlarge when producing and storing additional white blood cells to help fight infection. For more information click here.

Lymphatic System – Is closely interlinked to the cardiovascular system; consist of the organs of the immune system connected together by a network of lymphatic vessels; its three primary functions are: to collect and return interstitial fluid to the body and maintain fluid balance; defend the body against disease; and to transport fat from the intestines to the blood stream. More information can be found here.

Lymphocyte – White blood cells of the immune system; the two types of lymphocytes are T cell (CD8 and CD4) and B cell; kills and destroys foreign pathogens entering the body (bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi).

Masturbation - The touching, stroking, or massaging of the genitals for sexual pleasure, usually to orgasm.

Monogamy – Having an exclusive sexual relationship with only one partner for a period of time.

Mucous Membrane – The moist layer of tissue lining all body passages, cavities and openings (except the ears) to the outside.

Mutual Monogamy - Both partners being sexually faithful to one another for a period of time; sexual activity occurs only between the two partners.

MSM - Men who have sex with men. They may self-identify as heterosexual, gay, or bisexual. MSM can be involved in heterosexual relationships.

Negative Test Result – HIV antibody test finding shows no detectable signs of antibodies to HIV. Does not necessarily mean that HIV is not present, testing may have occurred during window period.

Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) – A chemical used in some contraceptive devices (foams, creams, suppositories, films, jellies, and pre-lubricated condoms) to prevent pregnancy; once recommended for increased protection against HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Based upon recent study findings that N-9 may increase one’s risk of HIV infection, CDC states, “given that N-9 has been proven ineffective against HIV transmission, the possibility of risk, with no benefit, indicates that N-9 should not be recommended as an effective means of HIV prevention.”

Opportunistic Infection – An infection resulting from a compromised immune system. When the immune system becomes unable to defend the body adequately, it provides the opportunity for foreign organisms to take advantage of the situation, resulting in illness, infection and disease. These infections, diseases, and some types of cancers would not normally occur were it not for the body’s lowered resistance to disease.

OraQuick – [OraQuick Rapid HIV-1 Antibody Test] An HIV antibody test; a fingerstick sample of blood is collected from an individual and transferred to a vial where it is mixed with a developing solution; test results provided in as little as 20 minutes; positive test results must be reconfirmed with an additional test.

Orasure – An HIV antibody test; an oral specimen collection device used to collect oral fluid from the mouth. The oral fluid is tested for the presence of HIV antibodies. A trained collector will ask you to place the Orasure HIV-1 Oral Specimen Collection Pad between your lower cheek and gum and gently rub the pad back and forth until it is wet, then leave it in place for two minutes. The collector will then ask you to put the pad in a vial and snap off the stick.

Oral Sex – Contact of the mouth or tongue with another person’s penis (fellatio), vagina (cunnilingus) or anus (analingus) during sexual activity.

Partner Notification – a confidential process of notifying sexual and/or needle sharing partners of someone infected with a sexually transmitted disease or HIV in order to inform them of their potential exposure and urge them to undergo testing, counseling and, when necessary, treatment.

Penis – The external male sex organ; used to ejaculate semen, and to expel urine. For more information, click here.

Plasma Cell - A type of white blood cell that produces and secretes antibodies. It is produced by the B cell.

Perinatal Transmission (Vertical Transmission) of HIV – The transmission of HIV from mother to baby before or during birth.

Piercing - The practice of making a hole through parts of the body or skin to allow for the insertion of bone, shell, ivory, glass, metal or other material to wear as an ornament. For more information, click here.

Positive Test Result - HIV antibody test finding shows the presence of antibodies to HIV. HIV infection has occurred.

Prevalence – The total number of cases of a disease in a specific population at a given point in time.

Risk Elimination – Discontinuing an activity or behavior that places one at risk of acquiring HIV.

Risk Reduction – Adopting behaviors or activities that lowers the likelihood of being exposed to/or infected with HIV.

Risky Behavior – Any behavior or activity that places one at risk of exposure to another person’s body fluids; and the potential of becoming infected with a communicable disease.

Safer Sex – any sexual activity that involves no exchange of body fluids.

Scarification – Form of body modification; application of scars through cutting, branding, and skin removal.

Semen - Whitish fluid ejaculated from the penis during orgasm; contains sperm, white blood cells and other fluid secretions.

Seroconversion – The development of antibodies; the change from an absence of HIV antibodies (seronegative) to the presence of HIV antibodies (seropositive) in the blood.

Seronegative – See Antibody Negative Test Result.

Seropositive – See Antibody Positive Test Result.

Sex (Sexual Intercourse) – Genital contact between individuals; penetration of the anus, vagina or mouth by the penis; oral stimulation of the penis, vagina or anus.

Sexual Orientation - An enduring emotional, romantic, sexual and/or affectional attraction to another person; exists along a continuum that ranges from exclusive homosexual to exclusive heterosexual and includes various forms of bisexuality; Persons may or may not express their sexual orientation in their behaviors.

Sexuality Transmitted Diseases (STD) – See sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI; or Sexually Transmitted Diseases, STD) - A disease transmitted from one person to another as a direct result of sexual contact. For more information, please click here.

Shooting Gallery – Places where illegal drugs and needles are shared.

T Cells – See CD4+T. For more information, please click here.

Tattoo- Permanent placement of ink under the skin in the form of a picture, design or other marking; temporary tattoos are created by placing nonpermanent ink on top of skin. For more information, please click here.

Transfusion – The giving of blood; the medical transfer of whole blood, blood components, or bone marrow from a healthy donor into the bloodstream of another.

Transgender - 1. A political or social label that refers to people whose gender identity and/or presentation differs from traditional notions of gender identity and presentation. This can encompass people who seek legal/physical changes (transsexuals) as well as those who only occasionally present/identify their gender differently (crossdressers, drag kings, drag queens). 2. An individual identity used by some people as an alternative to transsexual (sometimes includes those who do not wish to undergo any surgical procedure to change their gender).

Transsexual – An individual whose gender identity (their sense of themselves as a man or woman) is in conflict with their anatomical and legal sex. Many desire to live fully in their self-identified gender, and many undergo hormone therapy and/or sex reassignment surgery.

Transmission – The passage or transfer of a disease from one person to another.

Urethra – The tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Urine – Clear yellowish liquid waste excreted by the kidneys; exits the body through the uretha.

Uterus - Womb: a hollow muscular organ in the pelvic cavity of female mammals, in which the fetus is nourished and develops before birth. For more information, click here.

Vagina - Part of the female reproductive tract; female genitals; a lubricated muscular tube connecting the cervix of the uterus to the vulva. It receives the penis during copulation and expands to expel the fetus during birth. For more information, click here.

Vulva – The external female genitals, including two pairs of fleshy folds surrounding the opening of the vagina.

Western Blot Test – An HIV antibody test used to confirm or supplement positive ELISA/EIA results.

White Blood Cell – Lymphocyte; a blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin; helps the body fight infection and diseases, as part of the immune system. When mature, white blood cells actively seek out possible pathogens or any other unknown substance and, using a very complex chemical signaling system, can attack directly or provide for the removal of this substance.

Window Period – The period between the time someone becomes HIV infected to the moment HIV antibodies can be detected in their body.

Works – The drug paraphernalia used to prepare and inject illegal drugs; i.e., needles, syringes, cotton, and cooker.

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