Page 11 - 78 glossary of hivaids-related terms_opt

HIV infection. These may include recurrent fever, unexplained weight A
loss, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, herpes, or fungal infection of
the mouth and throat.
See Also: Acute HIV Infection

AIDS Service Organization (ASO)
A health association, support agency, or other service actively
involved in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

AIEDRP
See: Acute HIV Infection and Early Diseases Research Program

Alanine Transaminase (ALT)
See: Liver Function Tests

Alkaline Phosphatase
An enzyme normally present in certain cells within the liver, bone,
kidney, intestine, and placenta. When cells are destroyed in
those tissues, the enzyme leaks into the blood, and levels rise in
proportion to the severity of the condition. Measurement of this
enzyme is one way to evaluate the health of the liver.

ALT
See: Alanine Transaminase

Amino Acid
A building block the body uses to make proteins.
See Also: Protein

Anaphylaxis
Also called anaphylactic shock. A rare but life-threatening, whole-
body allergic reaction. Symptoms may appear quickly and include
difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or other parts of the body,
rapid drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or unconsciousness.
Anaphylaxis can be triggered by foods, drugs, insect stings, or
exertion, depending on an individual’s sensitivity.

HIV/AIDS Glossary 9