Largest HIV clinical trials organization in the world, which plays major role in setting standards of care for HIV infection and opportunistic diseases related to HIV/AIDS in the United States and the developed world. The AACTG is composed of, and directed by, leading clinical scientists in HIV/AIDS therapeutic research.

Prevention education approach that emphasizes abstinence, being faithful, and using condoms.

A network of medical centers around the country in which federally funded clinical trials are conducted to test the safety and efficacy of experimental treatments for AIDS and HIV infection. These studies are funded by the NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Administered by States and authorized under Title II of the CARE Act, provides FDA-approved medications to low-income individuals with HIV disease who have limited or no coverage from private insurance or Medicaid. ADAP funds may also be used to purchase insurance for uninsured CARE Act clients as long as the insurance costs do not exceed the cost of drugs through ADAP and the drugs available through the insurance program at least match those offered through ADAP.

The extent to which the patient continues the agreed-upon mode of treatment or intervention as prescribed.

Regional centers providing education and training for primary care professionals and other AIDS-related personnel. AETCs are authorized under Part F of the CARE Act and administered by the HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau's Division of Training and Technical Assistance (DTTA).

A disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists numerous opportunistic infections and cancers that, in the presence of HIV infection, constitute an AIDS diagnosis. In 1993, CDC expanded the criteria for an AIDS diagnosis in adults and adolescents to include CD4+ T-cell count at or below 200 cells per microliter in the presence of HIV infection. In persons (age 5 and older) with normally functioning immune systems, CD4+ T-cell counts usually range from 500 - 1,500 cells per microliter. Persons living with AIDS often have infections of the lungs, brain, eyes and other organs, and frequently suffer debilitating weight loss, diarrhea and a type of cancer called Kaposi's Sarcoma.

Several cancers are more common or more aggressive in persons living with HIV. These malignancies include certain types of immune system cancers known as lymphomas, Kaposi's Sarcoma, and anogenital cancers that primarily affect the anus and the cervix. HIV, or the immune suppression it induces, appears to play a role in the development of these cancers. See Kaposi's Sarcoma, Lymphomas.

The lack or loss of appetite that leads to significant decline in weight.

A natural or synthetic substance that inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi. Some antibiotics are used to treat infectious diseases.

Molecules in the blood or other body fluids that tag, destroy or neutralize bacteria, viruses or other harmful toxins (antigens). They are members of a class of proteins known as immunoglobulins, which are produced and secreted by B-lymphocytes in response to stimulation by antigens. An antibody is specific to an antigen.

A substance that fights against a retrovirus, such as HIV. (See Retrovirus)

A substance or process that destroys a virus or suppresses its replication (i.e., reproduction).

An organization that provides primary medical care and/or support services to populations infected with and affected by HIV disease.

Without symptoms. Used to describe a person who has a positive reaction to one of several tests for HIV antibodies but who shows no clinical symptoms of the disease.