Abnormality
A finding that something (a test, a sign or symptom) is not within the normal range.
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Abortion
A procedure to end a pregnancy.
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Abstinence
To stop or avoid - voluntary restraint from an activity, e.g. sex, alcohol or drugs.
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Acute infection
Recent or early infection, as opposed to chronic (long-term) infection.
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Adolescence
A stage of change and development in a young person's life, which occurs between the onset of puberty and adulthood. Sometimes called 'teenage years'.
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AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein)
Elevated levels in the blood can indicate cirrhosis or liver cancer (HCC). Used for screening for HCC.
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AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
The last stage of HIV infection, when a group of illnesses occur because HIV has severely weakened the immune system.
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Alcohol dependence
The state of depending on or needing alcohol to avoid symptoms of withdrawal.
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ALT (Alanine aminotransferase)
An enzyme produced by the liver that can indicate ongoing liver damage.
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Amphetamine
An illegal stimulant drug.
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Anaemia
A decrease in haemoglobin (in red blood cells) that can cause various symptoms including tiredness and breathlessness.
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Anal sex
When a man puts his penis into his male or female partner's anus.
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Analgesics
Medications that reduce pain, sometimes called 'pain killers'.
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Anti-Hbe
Antibody to hepatitis B e antigen
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Antibiotic
A drug used to treat bacterial infections, but is ineffective against viral infections.
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Antibody
A special protein produced by the immune system, generally in response to infection or vaccination.
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Antibody test
A blood test that indicates whether a person has been exposed to a particular antigen, for example through infection.
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Antibody to Hepatitis C
A positive hepatitis C antibody test means that the person has been infected with hepatitis C. Approximately 1 in 4 people with a positive hepatitis C antibody test will not be chronically infected, i.e. they have naturally cleared the virus. This can only be determined with a PCR test.
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Antibody to HIV
A positive HIV antibody test means that a person has HIV infection.
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Antigen
A substance (usually protein) recognised by the immune system as foreign (typically an infection e.g. virus or bacteria) which stimulates the immune system to make antibodies.
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Antiretroviral drug
Drugs used to treat HIV and prevent AIDS.
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Antiviral therapy
Drugs used to treat viral infections e.g. herpes, HIV, viral hepatitis.
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ART (Antiretroviral Therapy)
A class of antiviral drugs used to treat HIV and prevent AIDS.
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Ascites
A complication of advanced liver disease (including disease related to viral hepatitis) where fluid collects in the abdomen (stomach area).
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Asymptomatic
When a person has no signs or symptoms of a particular disease or infection they have, but may not be aware of.
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