HIV – The Sneaky Virus (Lecture Review)

Fifty English vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms, drug classes, stages, tests, and complications discussed in the HIV lecture.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

A rapidly mutating retrovirus that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4+ T-cells, leading to progressive immunodeficiency.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

The advanced stage of HIV infection marked by CD4+ T-cells <200 cells/mm³ or the presence of AIDS-defining illnesses.

HIV-1

The most common HIV type worldwide and in the United States, responsible for the vast majority of infections.

HIV-2

A less-common HIV type, geographically concentrated in West Africa and parts of Southern Asia, with generally slower progression.

CD4+ T-cell

A helper lymphocyte targeted by HIV; its count is used to stage infection severity and monitor therapy.

CCR5

A chemokine coreceptor on CD4 cells that many HIV strains use for cell entry; target of CCR5 antagonists.

CXCR4

An alternative coreceptor used by certain HIV strains to gain entry into CD4+ cells.

Viral load

The quantity of HIV RNA in a milliliter of blood; a key marker for treatment efficacy and disease progression.

Seroconversion

The period in which HIV antibodies become detectable after infection, marking the transition from negative to positive testing.

Reverse Transcriptase

Viral enzyme that converts HIV RNA into proviral DNA, enabling integration into host genome.

Integrase

Viral enzyme that inserts newly synthesized HIV DNA into host cell DNA.

Protease

Viral enzyme that cleaves HIV polypeptides, allowing maturation of infectious virions.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

Combined medication regimen that suppresses HIV replication, improves survival, and reduces transmission risk.

Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI)

Drug class that binds directly to reverse transcriptase, blocking viral DNA synthesis without mimicking nucleosides.

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI)

Class of analogs that compete with natural nucleosides, terminating viral DNA chain elongation.

Protease Inhibitor (PI)

Antiretroviral class that blocks HIV protease, preventing maturation of new virions.

Fusion Inhibitor

Drug class that blocks fusion of HIV envelope with the host cell membrane, preventing entry.

CCR5 Coreceptor Antagonist

Medications that bind CCR5 on CD4 cells, blocking HIV attachment and entry.

Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor (INSTI)

Drugs that inhibit HIV integrase enzyme, blocking integration of viral DNA into host genome.

HIV Stage 0

First positive HIV test ≤6 months after a documented negative; CD4 counts typically normal; no AIDS conditions.

HIV Stage 1

CD4+ T-cell count >500 cells/mm³ (or ≥29%); no AIDS-defining illness present.

HIV Stage 2

CD4+ T-cell count 200–499 cells/mm³ (or 14–28%); no AIDS-defining illness present.

HIV Stage 3

CD4+ T-cell count <200 cells/mm³ (or <14%) or any AIDS-defining illness; synonymous with AIDS diagnosis.

Swollen lymph nodes

A common early clinical sign of HIV infection seen when CD4 counts are between 200–500 cells/mm³.

Hairy Leukoplakia

White, corrugated oral lesion linked to Epstein–Barr virus, often appearing in HIV-infected patients.

Kaposi Sarcoma

Vascular tumor and classic AIDS-defining malignancy associated with human herpesvirus-8.

Pneumocystis Pneumonia

Opportunistic fungal lung infection (P. jirovecii) common when CD4 <200 cells/mm³.

Antibody/Antigen Test

Lab test detecting HIV p24 antigen and antibodies; can identify infection roughly 10–13 days post-exposure.

Antibody Test

Test that detects antibodies alone; typically becomes positive 18–45 days after infection.

RNA/DNA Test (NAT)

Nucleic acid amplification test that detects viral RNA, often positive 10 days to 3 months after exposure.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

28-day course of ART started within 36 hours of potential HIV exposure to prevent infection.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Daily medication regimen for high-risk HIV-negative individuals to prevent acquisition of HIV.

Enfuvirtide (Fuzeon)

Subcutaneous fusion inhibitor used for HIV strains resistant to other drugs; may cause injection-site nodules.

Maraviroc (Selzentry)

Oral CCR5 antagonist that blocks viral entry; caution in cardiac or hepatic disease.

Raltegravir

First-in-class INSTI; adverse effects include headache, hyperglycemia, and rare rhabdomyolysis.

Zidovudine (Retrovir)

Classic NRTI used in pregnancy and post-exposure prophylaxis; risk for bone-marrow suppression and lactic acidosis.

Tenofovir (Viread)

Preferred NRTI for initial HIV therapy and chronic HBV; can cause renal issues and osteomalacia.

Efavirenz (Sustiva)

NNRTI with long half-life; causes vivid dreams and rash; contraindicated in pregnancy.

Indinavir (Crixivan)

PI associated with nephrolithiasis; patients advised to increase fluid intake.

Darunavir (Prezista)

Food-enhanced PI approved for patients ≥6 years; part of many first-line PI regimens.

Immune Reconstitution Syndrome

Paradoxical worsening of opportunistic infections when ART restores immune function.

Opportunistic Infection

Infection by organisms that rarely cause disease in immunocompetent hosts but thrive in immune-suppressed patients.

Lactic Acidosis

Serious metabolic complication linked to several NRTIs, often accompanied by hepatomegaly.

Hepatomegaly

Enlargement of the liver; may occur with NRTI-related fatty infiltration.

Neutropenia

Low neutrophil count; potential adverse effect of NRTIs like zidovudine.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Severe mucocutaneous reaction reported with NNRTIs (e.g., nevirapine) and some PIs.

Lipodystrophy

Abnormal fat redistribution (cushingoid appearance) associated with long-term PI therapy.

Hyperlipidemia

Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, a common metabolic effect of protease inhibitors.

Nephrolithiasis

Kidney stone formation; notable side effect of the PI indinavir.

Hyperglycemia

Raised blood glucose levels that can occur with PIs or INSTIs such as raltegravir and dolutegravir.