caesarean section

(suh-sair-ree-un seck-shun)

Method of birth where the child is delivered through a cut made in the womb.

candidiasis

(can-did-eye-a-sis)

A disease caused by the fungi of the candida family such as Candida albicans. Commonly known as thrush.

carcinoma

(kar-sin-no-muh)

A malignant tumour that may spread throughout the body.

cardiovascular

Relating to the heart and blood vessels.

cardiovascular disease

Includes CHD (about 50%), stroke (about 25%), and other circulatory system diseases.

CAT scan

Computerised axial tomography scan. A type of specialised X-ray that gives a view of a 'slice' through the body, and is used to help detect tumours, infections and other changes in anatomy.

catheter

(ka-the-tuh)

A tube that is implanted with one end within the body and the other remaining outside, to make it easier to get drugs into, or waste products out of the body.

CD4

A molecule on the surface of some cells onto which HIV can bind. The CD4 cell count roughly reflects the state of the immune system.

CD8

A molecule on the surface of some white blood cells. Some of these cells can kill other cells that are infected with foreign organisms.

central nervous system

The brain and spinal cord.

cerebral

(se-ree-brull)

Involving the brain.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

(se-ree-bro-spy-nul floo-id)

The liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

cerebrovascular

(se-ree-bro-vask-ular)

Involving the brain and the blood vessels supplying it.

cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)

(sir-vick-ull in-tra-ep-i-thee-lee-ull nee-o-play-zee-uh)

Cancerous growth within the cells lining the cervix. Untreated, it can lead to cervical cancer.

cervix

(sir-vicks)

The 'neck of the womb' at the top of the vagina.

chemotherapy

(key-mo-the-ru-pee)

The use of drugs to treat an illness, often denotes drugs used to treat cancer.

cholesterol

(ko-less-troll)

A waxy substance, mostly made by the body and used to produce steroid hormones. High levels can be associated with atherosclerosis.

chronic

(kron-ick)

A long-term condition.

clades

(klaydz)

The term for the different sub-types of HIV.

clinical

A term referring to the nursing or medical care of patients.

clinical event

The occurrence of a physical sign or symptom, rather than an abnormality that can only be detected by laboratory tests.

clinical trial

A research study involving participants, usually to find out how well a new drug or treatment works in people and how safe it is.

clinician

(klin-i-shun)

A medical doctor who is active in looking after patients.

CMV

Cytomegalovirus, a virus that can cause blindness in people with advanced HIV disease.

CNS

Central nervous system.

codon

(koe-don)

A position within a gene.

cohort

(koe-hort)

A group of people who share at least one common factor (e.g. being HIV-positive) and who are studied over a period of time.

coinfection

(koe-infek-shun)

Having more than one infection at the same time. For example, when a person with HIV has hepatitis B or C. This can make disease worse and treatment more difficult.

colitis

(ko-ly-tus)

Inflammation of the bowels.

colonoscopy

(ko-lon-os-ku-pee)

Examination of the large bowel using a video camera device.

colposcopy

(kol-pos-ku-pee)

Examination of the surface of the cervix under magnification to identify the location and extent of abnormal lesions.

combination therapy

Using more than one drug at a time.

compassionate use

The release of an experimental drug by its manufacturer to people who are unable to obtain it in a clinical trial.

compliance

(kom-ply-unce)

An alternative term for adherence.

contagious

(kon-tay-juss)

An infection that can be spread easily, by casual contact.

contraindication

(kon-tra-in-di-kay-shun)

A reason why a drug should not be used.

control group

A group of participants in a trial who receive standard treatment rather than the experimental treatment which is being tested.

coronary heart disease (CHD)

Occurs when the walls of the coronary arteries become narrowed by a gradual fatty build-up. Heart attack and angina are main symptoms.

cross resistance

The mechanism by which HIV that has developed resistance to one drug may also be resistant to other, similar drugs.

crossover trial

A clinical trial where participants are switched from one arm to the other part way through.

cryptococcosis

(krip-toe-kok-ko-sis)

A type of fungal infection usually affecting the membrane around the brain, causing meningitis. It can also affect the lungs and chest.

cryptosporidiosis

(krip-toe-spor-rid-ee-o-sis)

Infection with the gut parasite Cryptosporidium parvum and other species, causing severe diarrhoea.

culture

Laboratory medium in which microbes can grow.

cytokine

(sigh-toe-kyne)

A natural chemical used to pass signals between cells.

cytotoxic

(sigh-toe-tox-ick)

Harmful to cells.

cytotoxic T-lymphocyte

A type of white blood cell which kills virus-infected cells.