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AIDS - acquired immunodeficiency syndrome - was first reported in the United States in 1981 and has since become a major worldwide epidemic. When the first AIDS cases were recognized, few would have thought that so many years would pass without a cure being discovered. There still remains speculation as to the causative agent; although the controversy continues, AIDS is commonly thought to be caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By killing or damaging cells of the body's immune system, HIV progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers.
Incidence; Causes & Development
By 2001, more than 750,000 cases of AIDS had been reported in the United States and as many as 1,000,000 Americans were thought to be infected with HIV - an invection rate of about 0.4%. Growing most rapidly among minority populations, it is a leading killer of African-American males. The rates of infection are very high in some southern African countries, with the situation in Botswana being described as shocking - by 2001 some 36% of the adult population was infected. South Africa came second in that region with a 20% rate.
HIV is spread most commonly by having unprotected sex with an infected partner, contact with infected blood or being born to an HIV-infected mother. Approximately one-quarter to one-third of all untreated pregnant women infected with HIV will pass the infection to their babies. HIV also can also be spread to babies through the breast milk of infected mothers.
Studies of families of HIV-infected people have shown clearly that HIV is not spread through casual contact such as the sharing of food utensils, towels and bedding, swimming pools, telephones, or toilet seats. HIV is not spread by biting insects such as mosquitoes or bedbugs. Scientists also have found no evidence that HIV is spread through sweat, tears, urine, or feces.
Signs & Symptoms
Many people do not have any symptoms when they first become infected with HIV. Some people, however, have a flu-like illness within a month or two of being exposed to the virus. This illness may include fever, headache, tiredness or enlarged lymph nodes. These symptoms are often mistaken for those of another viral infection. During this period, people are very infectious and HIV is present in large quantities in genital fluids.
More persistent or severe symptoms may not surface for years after infection in adults, or for two years in children born with HIV infection. This period of "asymptomatic" infection is highly individual. Some people may begin to have symptoms within a few months, while others may be symptom-free for more than 10 years.
Even during the asymptomatic period, the virus is multiplying, infecting, and killing cells of the immune system, especially T4 cells (CD4+). At the beginning of its life in the human body, the virus disables or destroys these cells without causing symptoms.
The term AIDS applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection. The Center for Disease Control defines AIDS as all HIV-infected people who have fewer than 200 T4 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Healthy adults usually have 1,000 or more. In addition, the definition includes over 20 clinical conditions that affect people with advanced HIV disease. Most of these conditions are opportunistic infections that generally do not affect healthy people. Amongst people with AIDS, these infections are often severe and sometimes fatal because the immune system is so damaged by the virus that it can no longer fully resist.
Children with AIDS may get the same opportunistic infections as adults. In addition, they also have severe forms of the bacterial infections that all children may get, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), ear infections or tonsillitis.
During the course of HIV infection, most people experience a gradual decline in the number of T4 cells, although some may have abrupt and dramatic drops in their T4 cell counts. A person with a T4 cell count above 200 may experience some of the early symptoms of HIV disease, while others may have no symptoms even though their T4 cell count is below 200.
Early symptoms include headache, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, swollen lymph glands, fever, heavily coated white tongue, diarrhea, and lung infections.
The most common clinical presentations in the high-risk groups or ARC patients include: chronic generalized lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, fever, fatigue, malaise, night sweats, weight loss, anorexia, oral candidiasis, recurrent herpes infections, and diarrhea. Also, a mononucleosis-like syndrome can occur, characterized by prolonged fever, rigors, myalgias, arthralgias, rash, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, and this is associated with seroconversion for the HIV antibody.
Diagnosis & Tests
Because early HIV infection often causes no symptoms, a doctor usually diagnoses it by testing a person's blood for the presence of antibodies to HIV. HIV antibodies generally do not reach detectable levels in the blood for one to three months following infection.
People exposed to the virus should get an HIV test as soon as they are likely to develop antibodies to the virus i.e. within 6 weeks to 12 months after possible exposure to the virus. By detecting it early, people with HIV infection can discuss with their doctor when they should start treatment to help their immune systems combat HIV and help prevent the emergence of opportunistic infections. Early testing also alerts HIV-infected people to avoid high-risk behaviors that could spread the virus to others.
Health care providers diagnose HIV infection by using two different types of antibody tests, ELISA and Western Blot. If a person is highly likely to be infected with HIV and yet both tests are negative, the doctor may request additional tests. The person also may be told to repeat antibody testing at a later date, when antibodies to HIV are more likely to have developed.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is more expensive and labor-intensive but can detect the virus even in someone only recently infected. Urine testing for HIV antibodies is not as sensitive or specific as blood testing but may be used for someone who does not want blood drawn.
Babies born to mothers infected with HIV may or may not be infected with the virus, but all carry their mothers' antibodies to HIV for several months. If these babies lack symptoms, a doctor cannot make a definitive diagnosis of HIV infection using standard antibody tests until after 15 months of age. By then, babies are unlikely to still carry their mothers' antibodies and will have produced their own, if they are infected. Health care experts are using new technologies to detect HIV itself to more accurately determine HIV infection in infants between ages 3 months.
Treatment & Prevention
To effectively deal with the confusion about AIDS, the diagnosis and it's treatment requires personal involvement. It really is important that everyone facing AIDS must educate themselves carefully in order to be prepared for the challenges and comfortable with the decisions that will need to be made. While many alternative therapies have turned out to be less effective than initially thought, there is much that can be done to enhance immune function and keep the infection in check.
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Signs, symptoms & indicators of HIV/AIDS: | | | | | Symptoms - Bowel Movements |  (Very) frequent stools |
Symptoms - Food - General |
Weak appetite |
Symptoms - General |
Constant fatigue | Fatigue can be one of the most debilitating symptoms experienced by people with HIV disease, as well as one of the most under-reported and under-recognized aspects. The rate of fatigue increases as the disease progresses and women are more likely to experience fatigue than men. HIV-positive men with CD4 cell counts below 500 cells/ml experienced more fatigue than men with CD4 cell counts above 500. However, studies so far have not found a consistent correlation between viral load and fatigue. The fatigue may be due to anemia, depression, the HIV virus, secondary infections, hormone deficiency (testosterone, adrenal exhaustion), malnutrition, poor sleep quality or quantity, inactivity, or drug side-effects. |
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Symptoms - Glandular |
(Frequent) cervical node swelling| | Swollen, firm and possibly tender lymph nodes lasting longer than three months are a symptom of AIDS. |
(Frequent) painful cervical nodes
(History of) swollen axillary nodes
(History of) painful axillary nodes
(Often) swollen inguinal nodes
(Often) painful inguinal nodes |
Symptoms - Metabolic |
Frequent unexplained fevers
Very great/major/moderate unexplained weight loss
Current atypical/resolved atypical recent headaches| | Some people get a flu-like illness within a month or two after first getting HIV. The flu-like symptoms often go away within a week, and include fever, headache, fatigue (being a lot more tired than usual, and all the time), swollen lymph nodes (glands in the neck and groin). |
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Symptoms - Nails |
Black/brown fingernails| | Black nails are sometimes seen in people infected with AIDS. |
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Conditions that suggest HIV/AIDS:
Risk factors for HIV/AIDS:
HIV/AIDS suggests the following may be present:
HIV/AIDS can lead to:
Recommendations and treatments for HIV/AIDS: | | | | | Action |  See Infectious Disease Specialist |
Amino Acid / Protein |
 Glutamine| | Individuals with muscle-wasting and immune-system related illnesses (such as cancer or AIDS) who may be incapable of manufacturing their own supply of glutamine, may benefit from glutamine supplements taken along with other amino acids. |
 Cysteine / N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)| | Deficiencies of the related amino acid cysteine have been reported in HIV-infected patients. |
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Botanical |
Garlic| | In one study, 10 patients with AIDS who were given 5 to 10gm per day of an aged garlic extract later had increased levels of natural killer cells, a higher helper:suppressor ratio, and reduced infection rates. |
MGN-3| | During the normal progression of this disease, NK cell activity begins to drop along with that of other immune cells. T4 levels routinely decrease at a rate of about 15% per year. Dr Ghoneum, who has been researching MGN-3 since 1993, reports that T4 levels can be maintained in almost every case of AIDS he has tested, and oftentimes they will even begin to increase. Although the number of patients studied has been limited, all of the patients who have taken MGN-3 reported a noticeable difference in their well-being, and have continued to use the product. Most felt that MGN-3 was instrumental in helping them stabilize their disease. |
Chlorella
Mistletoe| | A German study examined the use of Iscador, a mistletoe extract, in 40 HIV-positive patients with less than 200 T4 cells/ml. Patients injected themselves subcutaneously with 0.01mg to 10mg of Iscador twice per week for eighteen weeks. The only toxicities were transient fever on the day of injection and soreness at the injection site. The researchers of this small, unblinded and unreviewed study reported that 28 of the 36 patients (77%) had increases in T4 levels of greater than 20%. Iscador should only be administered under the supervision of a doctor familiar with its use. [Gorter R, et al. Abstract PO-B28-2167. IX International Conference on AIDS. Berlin. June 1993] |
Bladderwrack| | Alginic acid has been shown to inhibit HIV in the test tube. [Béress A, Wassermann O, Bruhn T, et al. A new procedure for the isolation of anti-HIV compounds (polysaccharides and polyphenols) from the marine alga Fucus vesiculosus. J Nat Prod 1993;56: pp478-88.] However, this effect has not been studied in humans. |
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Chemical |
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)| | BHT is a potent inactivator of lipid-enveloped viruses. The viral envelope structure is physically disturbed by BHT, thereby interfering with viral adsorption to host cells. Since the virus generally believed responsible for AIDS contains a lipid envelope, BHT warrants investigation as a potential antiviral agent against the AIDS virus. Published scientific evidence strongly suggests that BHT might help in treating AIDS or ARC and that any risks can be kept small. No one expects BHT to be a cure, but if it can help in the management of AIDS and/or CMV, it would have value now until better treatments become available. |
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Diet |
Sugars Avoidance / Reduction| | Sugar and corn syrup found in many desserts impair the engulfing power of white blood cells. The worst offenders are found in canned soda, candy bars, pastry and other processed desserts. Even sugars found in fruit juice, when consumed quickly, will have a depressive effect on immune cells. |
Coconut| | Lauric acid from coconut oil, coconut milk and fresh or cooked coconut meat, at 24gm daily for adults, may be an effective aid in the destruction of lipid-enveloped viruses such as HIV, HHV-6 (strains A and B), EBV, CMV and herpes. This treatment may be used continuously as viral resistance or immune system adaption is not expected to develop. |
Not recommended:
 Therapeutic Fasting| | Extended fasting should be avoided in AIDS patients, who tend to be malnourished already. |
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Drug |
LDN - Low Dose Naltrexone
Conventional Drug Avoidance| | Prednisone must be used cautiously by HIV-positive individuals because it is immunosuppressive and can increase the risk of getting opportunistic infections. |
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Lab Tests/Rule-Outs |
Test for Hormones| | Several studies have shown that testosterone levels are generally lower and that testosterone administration alleviates fatigue and depression in men with HIV/AIDS. In one study, 80% of men reported significant improvements in their energy levels. [General Hospital Psychiatry, July 1998] |
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Oxygen / Oxidative Therapies |
Ozone / Oxidative Therapy |
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KEY | | Weak or unproven link |  | | Strong or generally accepted link |  | | Proven definite or direct link |  | | Weakly counter-indicative |  | | Strongly counter-indicative |  | | Very strongly or absolutely counter-indicative | | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended | | | Avoid absolutely |
GLOSSARY
Abdomen (Abdominal)
That part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, bladder, pancreas and other organs.
Adrenal Insufficiency (Adrenal Exhaustion, Low Adrenal Function)
A condition in which the adrenal gland is compromised in its production of epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol, corticosterone or aldosterone. Symptoms include primarily fatigue, weakness, decreased appetite with ensuing weight loss, as well as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, or increased pigmentation of the skin. Cortical insufficiency (low or no corticosteroids) produces a more serious condition called Addison’s Disease, characterized by extreme weakness, low blood pressure, pigmentation of the skin, shock or even death.
Adsorption
The property of a solid substance to attract and hold other molecules to its surface.
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. An immune system deficiency disorder that suddenly alters the body's ability to defend itself. The AIDS virus invades the T4 helper/inducer lymphocytes and multiplies, causing a breakdown in the body's immune system, eventually leading to overwhelming infection and/or cancer, with ultimate death.
Amino Acid (Amino Acids)
An organic acid containing nitrogen chemical building blocks that aid in the production of protein in the body. Eight of the twenty-two known amino acids are considered "essential," and must be obtained from dietary sources because the body can not synthesize them.
Anemia (Anaemia, Anemias)
A condition resulting from an unusually low number of red blood cells or too little hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The most common type is iron-deficiency anemia in which the red blood cells are reduced in size and number, and hemoglobin levels are low. Clinical symptoms include shortness of breath, lethargy and heart palpitations.
Anorexia Nervosa (Anorexia)
An eating disorder characterized by excess control - a morbid fear of obesity leads the sufferer to try and limit or reduce their weight by excessive dieting, exercising, vomiting, purging and use of diuretics. Sufferers are typically more than 15% below the average weight for their height/sex/age and typically have amenorrhea (if female) or low libido (if male). 1-2% of female teenagers are anorexic.
Antibody (Antibodies)
A type of serum protein (globulin) synthesized by white blood cells of the lymphoid type in response to an antigenic (foreign substance) stimulus. Antibodies are complex substances formed to neutralize or destroy these antigens in the blood. Antibody activity normally fights infection but can be damaging in allergies and a group of diseases that are called autoimmune diseases.
Antiviral
Any of a number of herbs, drugs or agents capable of destroying viruses or inhibiting their growth or multiplication until the body is capable of destroying the virus itself. Most antiviral agents are members of the antimetabolite family.
Asymptomatic
Not showing symptoms.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Candidiasis (Candida)
Infection of the skin or mucous membrane with any species of candida, usually Candida albicans. The infection is usually localized to the skin, nails, mouth, vagina, bronchi, or lungs, but may invade the bloodstream. It is a common inhabitant of the GI tract, only becoming a problem when it multiplies excessively and invades local tissues. Growth is encouraged by a weakened immune system, as in AIDS, or with the prolonged administration of antibiotics. Vaginal symptoms include itching in the genital area, pain when urinating, and a thick odorless vaginal discharge. Candidiasis is also known as: Candida; Candida albicans; Candida Related Complex; Chronic Candida Syndrome; (Chronic) Systemic Candidiasis; Monilia; Candidiasis Hypersensitivity Syndrome; Candidosis; (Chronic) Mucocutaneous Candidosis; Thrush (oral or vaginal); Moniliasis; Polysystematic Candidiasis.
CD4
A symbol for glycoprotein expressed on the surface of some lymphocytes, including Helper T-cells. Human CD4 is the receptor that serves as a docking site for HIV viruses on certain lymphocyte cells. Binding of the viral glycoprotein gp120 to CD4 is the first step in viral entry, leading to the fusion of viral and cell membrane. White blood cells are composed primarily of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are either T-cells or B-cells. T-cells (CD3 cells) are divided into T-helper (CD4 cells) and T-suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8 cells) cells.
CD8
White blood cells are composed primarily of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are either T-cells or B-cells. T-cells (CD3 cells) are divided into T-helper (CD4 cells) and T-suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8 cells) cells.
CDC
United States' Center for Disease Control.
Cellular Immunity
A branch of the immune system which involves direct attack by immune cells often called "T" cells. Antibodies play less of a role.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)
A disease caused by inhaling spores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis. It starts out as a respiratory illness and may progress to a persistent infection; disseminated coccidioidomycosis is the most severe form and is often fatal. Anyone who is present near dust-producing activities where soil or other materials contaminated with C. immitis are present can get this disease if enough spores are inhaled. Symptoms: First the lungs are infected, possibly producing no symptoms at all or perhaps a fever, chills, and cough. This infection may heal completely, or result in other complications. Approximately 1-in-1000 cases will progress to the disseminated form, leading to lesions in the lung and abscesses throughout the body. These abscesses tend to form in the subcutaneous tissues, skin, bone and the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).
Conjunctiva (Conjunctivitis)
Mucous membrane covering the posterior surface of the eyelids and the anterior surface of the eyeball. Conjunctivitis: An inflammation of the conjunctiva, either from environmental irritation, allergies, viral or bacterial infections.
Cramp (Cramping, Cramps)
A sudden, involuntary, painful muscular contraction.
Cysteine
A nonessential amino acid but may be essential for individuals with certain diseases or nutritional concerns. Cysteine is a sulfur-bearing amino acid with antioxidant properties. It is important for keratin synthesis, a protein found in skin, hair and nails and is a component of coenzyme A and glutathione.
Cytokines (Cytokine, TH1, TH2)
Cytokines are chemical messengers that control immune responses. They are secreted by white blood cells, T cells, epithelial cells and some other body cells. There are at least 17 different kinds of interleuken and 3 classes of interferon called alpha, beta and gamma and various subsets. Interleukens and interferons are called “cytokines” and there are two general groupings, Th1 and Th2. Th1 (T-cell Helper type 1) promote cell-mediated immunity (CMI) while Th2 (T-cell Helper type 2) induce humoral immunity (antibodies).
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
A member of the herpes virus family which may induce the immune-deficient state or cause active illness, such as pneumonia, in a patient already immune-deficient due to chronic illness, such as cancer or organ transplantation therapy.
Diarrhea
Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.
ELISA
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. A test that detects the presence of the AIDS virus or Lyme Disease antibodies.
Epidemic
Describes a disease occurring in extensive outbreaks, or with an unusually high incidence at certain times and places.
Epstein Barr Virus (EBV, Epstein-Barr Virus)
A virus that causes infectious mononucleosis and that is possibly capable of causing other diseases in immunocompromised hosts.
Genital Herpes (Herpes Type 2)
A sexually-transmitted disease. Symptoms include itching, burning in the genital area and discomfort while urinating, and a watery vaginal or urethral discharge. A weeping vesicular (blister-like) eruption in the vagina or on the penis is an early sign.
Gland (Glands)
The glandular system is one of the most important and complicated systems of the body. Gland tissue can be either an organ or general tissue that secretes chemicals and there are two types of gland: exocrine and endocrine. Those glands which secrete chemicals through tubules or ducts are called exocrine and include sweat, tear and salivary glands. Ductless glands - part of the endocrine system - secrete special chemicals (hormones) directly into the blood.
Glutamine
A "conditionally essential" amino acid, glutamine is considered to be a brain fuel. Glutamine has been used therapeutically for alcoholism, mild depression and to reduce the craving for sweets. Glutamine is very important in the functioning of the metabolism and muscle maintenance. Glutamine supplementation can help prevent muscle and other tissue breakdown by providing the body with nitrogen and fuel.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Herpes
A small group of capsid-forming DNA viruses, sometimes divided into Type I (forming vesicles and blisters on the mouth, lips-generally above the waist) and Type II (usually sexually-transmitted, with symptoms mostly below the waist). Both types form acute initial outbreaks, go dormant, reactivate, and so forth. For most folks, frequent outbreaks are clear signs of stress or immunosuppression. Both types are equally dangerous for infants.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
A retrovirus associated with onset of advanced immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Humoral Immunity
This refers to immunity to infection created by proteins termed antibodies, often referred to as "B" cells.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Kaposi's Sarcoma
A cancer formed by cells similar to those lining blood or lymph vessels. In the past, Kaposi's sarcoma was an uncommon cancer mostly seen in older people with no apparent immune system problems. It is most common in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), but it can also develop in organ transplant patients who are taking medication to suppress their immune system. It is probably related to infection with a virus called human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8).
Lipid (Lipids)
Fat-soluble substances derived from animal or vegetable cells by nonpolar solvents (e.g. ether); the term can include the following types of materials: fatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, alcohols and waxes.
Lung (Lungs, Pulmonary)
Organ of the body, located in the chest cavity which is designed to bring oxygen from the air into the blood stream, while also expelling carbon dioxide and other waste gases out of the body. Pulmonary: Related to the lungs.
Lymph Nodes (Axillary Nodes, Inguinal Nodes, Lymph Gland, Lymph Glands, Lymph Node, Lymphatic)
Small, bean-shaped nodes at various points throughout the body that function to filter the lymph fluid and attempt to destroy the microorganisms and abnormal cells which collect there. The most common locations are the neck (both sides and front), armpit (axillary) and groin (inguinal), but also under the jaw and behind the ears. Swollen or painful lymph nodes generally result from localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy. Other causes of enlarged lymph nodes are extremely rare. Physical examination for lymph nodes includes pressing on them to check for size, texture, warmth, tenderness and mobility. Most lymph nodes can not be felt until they become swollen, and then will only be tender when pressed or massaged. A lymph node that is painful even without touching indicates greater swelling. Lymph nodes can usually be distinguished from other growths because they generally feel small, smooth, round or oval-shaped and somewhat mobile when attempts are made to push them sideways. Because less fat covers the lymph nodes in children, they are easier to feel, even when they are not busy filtering germs or making antibodies. Childrens' nodes enlarge faster, get bigger in response to an infection and stay swollen longer than an adult's. Also known (incorrectly) as lymph glands.
Lymphadenopathy
A lymph gland enlargement in response to any foreign substance or disease.
Lymphoma (Lymphomas)
Any tumor of the lymphatic tissues.
Malaise
A vague feeling of bodily discomfort, as at the beginning of an illness. A general sense of depression or unease.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Milliliter (mL)
0.001 or one thousandth of a liter.
Millimeter (Millimeters, mm)
A metric unit of length equaling one thousandth of a meter, or one tenth of a centimeter. There are 25.4 millimeters in one inch.
Natural Killer Cells (NK, NK Cells)
An important first line of defense against newly arising malignant cells and cells infected with viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. They form a distinct group of lymphocytes with no immunological memory and are independent of the adaptive immune system. Natural Killer Cells constitute 5 to 16% of the total lymphocyte population. Their specific function is to kill infected and cancerous cells.
Splenitis (Splenomegaly)
Inflammation of the spleen, caused by a variety of conditions ranging from exposure to hemolytic chemicals, systemic infections lodged in the spleen, even cancer. Splenomegaly: For practical purposes a term interchangeable with splenitis, since neither will have the usual symptoms associated with inflammation. Splenomegaly is often associated with viral hepatitis, mononucleosis, typhoid fever and abnormally high levels of red blood cells or platelets.
Syndrome
A medical condition characterized by a collection of related symptoms (what the patient feels) and signs (what a doctor can observe or measure).
Testosterone
The principal male sex hormone that induces and maintains the changes that take place in males at puberty. In men, the testicles continue to produce testosterone throughout life, though there is some decline with age. A naturally occurring androgenic hormone.
Thyroxin (T4)
A thyroid hormone also prepared synthetically, for treatment of hypothyroidism and myxedema.
Vaginitis (Vaginosis)
An inflammation of the vagina, either from simple tissue irritation or from an infection. Vaginosis: A vaginal infection characterized by a smelly discharge and the presence of Gardnerella, Mycoplasma, or other anaerobic bacteria, with thevlack of Lactobacillus species.
Virus (Viri, Viruses)
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.
White Blood Cell (WBC, White Blood Cells)
A blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin: a blood corpuscle responsible for maintaining the body's immune surveillance system against invasion by foreign substances such as viruses or bacteria. White cells become specifically programmed against foreign invaders and work to inactivate and rid the body of a foreign substance. White blood cells are composed primarily of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are either T-cells or B-cells. T-cells (CD3 cells) are divided into T-helper (CD4 cells) and T-suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8 cells) cells.
Last updated: May 04, 2008
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