Page 79 - 78 glossary of hivaids-related terms_opt

Lactic Acidosis
A condition caused by a buildup of lactate, a cellular waste product,
in the blood. Symptoms, if any, may include stomach and breathing
problems and general weakness. Severe, untreated lactic acidosis
can be life threatening. Increased lactate levels, often combined with
hepatic steatosis, may occur in HIV-infected individuals taking NRTIs.
See Also: Hepatic Steatosis

LAS
See: Lymphadenopathy Syndrome

Latency
The time period when an infectious organism is in the body but is
not producing any noticeable symptoms. In HIV disease, latency
usually occurs in the early years of infection. Also refers to the
period when HIV has integrated its genome into a cell’s DNA but
has not yet begun to replicate.
L

Latent HIV Reservoir
A collection of resting cells (such as T cells) in the body that are
infected with HIV. The virus is spread within the body when these
host cells become active.
See Also: Latency

Latent Period
See: Latency

Lentivirus
A subgroup of the retrovirus family that includes HIV. Lentiviruses
are characterized by a long time period between infection and the
onset of symptoms (long latent period).
See Also: Retrovirus
Incubation Period

Lesion
An area of the body where tissue is abnormal, such as an infected
patch or sore on the skin.

HIV/AIDS Glossary 77