Yeast-like fungi commonly found in the normal flora of the mouth, skin, intestinal tract, and vagina, which can become clinically infectious in immune-compromised persons.

An infection with a yeast-like fungus of the Candida family, generally Candida albicans. Candidiasis of the esophagus, trachea, bronchi, or lungs is an indicator disease for AIDS. Oral or recurrent vaginal candida infection is an early sign of immune system deterioration.

Any cancer-producing substance.

A type of T cell involved in protecting against viral, fungal, and protozoal infections. These cells normally orchestrate the immune response, signaling other cells in the immune system to perform their special functions. Also known as T helper cells.

HIV's preferred targets are cells that have a docking molecule called "cluster designation 4" (CD4) on their surfaces. Cells with this molecule are known as CD4-positive (or CD4+) cells. Destruction of CD4+ lymphocytes is the major cause of the immunodeficiency observed in AIDS, and decreasing CD4+ lymphocyte levels appear to be the best indicator for developing opportunistic infections. Although CD4 counts fall, the total T cell level remains fairly constant through the course of HIV disease, due to a concomitant increase in the CD8+ cells. The ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ cells is therefore an important measure of disease progression.

The laboratory test most commonly used to estimate the level of immune- deficiency (CD 4 cells) in HIV infection.

A CD4 protein found on the surface of some cells (including CD4 or T helper cells, monocytes, macrophages, Langerhans cells, dendritic cells, glial cells) and is the attachment site for the virus.

A measure of the strength of the immune system. A healthy adult would usually have a CD4+ count of >800/μl, while an adult sick with AIDS would typically have a CD4+ count of <200/μl.

The central nervous system is composed of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges (protective membranes surrounding them).

(By HIV infection.) Although monocytes and macrophages can be infected by HIV, they appear to be relatively resistant to killing. However, these cells travel throughout the body and carry HIV to various organs, especially the lungs and the brain. Persons living with HIV often experience abnormalities in the central nervous system. Investigators have hypothesized that an accumulation of HIV in brain and nerve cells or the inappropriate release of cytokines or toxic by products of these cells may be to blame for the neurological manifestations of HIV disease.

A malignant neoplasm of the uterine cervix.

A highly contagious sexually transmitted infection caused by the Haemophilus ducreyi bacterium with symptoms appearing 3 to 5 days after exposure. It appears as a tender papule that becomes pustular and then ulcerative.

In general, it is the use of medications to treat any disease. It is more commonly used to describe medications to treat cancer. The treatment, mostly of cancer, uses a series of cytotoxic drugs that attack cancerous cells. This treatment commonly has adverse side effects that may include the temporary loss of the body's natural immunity to infections, loss of hair, digestive upset, and a general feeling of illness. Although unpleasant, the adverse effects of treatment are tolerated considering the life-threatening nature of the cancers.

A sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis that infects the genital tract. The infection is frequently asymptomatic (i.e., shows no symptoms), but if left untreated, it can cause sterility in women.

Two or more drugs or treatments used together to achieve optimum results against HIV infection and/or AIDS. Combination drug therapy has proven more effective in decreasing viral load than monotherapy (single-drug therapy). An example of combination therapy would be the use of two nucleoside analog drugs plus either a protease inhibitor or a non-nucleoside reverse transcription inhibitor.

A method of providing experimental therapeutics prior to final FDA approval for use in humans. This procedure is used with very sick individuals who have no other treatment options. Often, case-by-case approval must be obtained from the FDA.

A wart in the genital and perianal area. Although the lesions are usually few in number, they may aggregate to form large cauliflower-like masses. Caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), it is infectious and auto inoculable (i.e., capable of being transmitted by inoculation from one part of the body to another). Also called genital warts, venereal warts, or verruca acuminata.

Of, pertaining to, or affecting, the skin.

A common herpes virus that is a common cause of opportunistic diseases in persons with AIDS and other persons with immune suppression. Most adults in the U.S. have been infected by CMV; however the virus does not cause disease in healthy people. Because the virus remains in the body for life, it can cause disease if the immune system becomes severely damaged or suppressed by drugs. While CMV can infect most organs of the body, persons with AIDS are most susceptible to CMV retinitis (disease of the eye) and colitis (disease of the colon).

An eye disease common among persons who are living with HIV. Without treatment, persons with CMV retinitis can lose their vision. CMV infection can affect both eyes and is the most common cause of blindness among persons with AIDS.

An agent or process that is toxic or destructive to cells.