Page 136 - 78 glossary of hivaids-related terms_opt

Toxoplasmosis
An infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The parasite
is carried by cats, birds, and other animals and is also found in soil
contaminated by cat feces and in meat, particularly pork. Infection
can occur in the lungs, retina of the eye, heart, pancreas, liver,
colon, testes, and brain. Toxoplasmosis of the brain is considered
an AIDS-defining condition in people with HIV.

Transcription
One of the steps in the HIV life cycle. Transcription is the process by
which the HIV DNA provirus is used as a template to create copies of
HIV’s RNA genetic material as well as shorter strands of HIV RNA called
messenger RNA (mRNA). HIV mRNA is then used in a process called
translation to create HIV proteins and continue the virus’s life cycle.
See Also: Provirus
Translation
Messenger RNA (mRNA)

Translation
The step in the HIV life cycle that follows transcription. Translation
is the process by which the genetic information contained in HIV
mRNA is used to build HIV proteins using the host cell’s protein-
making machinery. Once these HIV proteins are produced, they can
combine with copies of HIV’s RNA genetic material to form new,
complete copies of HIV.
See Also: Transcription

Transplacental
T Across or through the placenta. Usually refers to the exchange of
nutrients, waste products, and other materials (for example, drugs
or infectious organisms) between the mother and the fetus.

Treatment-Experienced
A term used to describe HIV-infected individuals who are currently
being treated with anti-HIV drugs or who have taken anti-HIV drugs
in the past.
See Also: Treatment-Naive

134 HIV/AIDS Glossary