Page 12 - 78 glossary of hivaids-related terms_opt

A Anemia
A lower than normal number of red blood cells. Symptoms may
include fatigue, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

Anorexia
Lack or loss of appetite.

Antagonism
See: Drug Antagonism

Antenatal
See: Prenatal

Antepartum
The time period before childbirth (refers to the mother).

Antibiotic
A natural or man-made substance that can kill or stop the
growth of micro-organisms, such as bacteria or fungi, that
can cause infections.

Antibody
Also known as immunoglobulin. A protein produced by the body’s
immune system to recognize and fight infectious organisms and
other foreign substances that enter the body. Each antibody is
specific to a particular piece of an infectious organism or other
foreign substance. Antibodies develop after the first exposure to
a substance.
See Also: Antigen

Antifungal
A natural or man-made substance that can kill or stop the growth of
a fungus.

Antigen
Any substance considered foreign to the body that can stimulate
the body to produce antibodies against it. Antigens include bacteria,

10 HIV/AIDS Glossary