Failure to Thrive (FTT)
Weight loss or gradual but steady deterioration in weight gain as compared with the expected growth, as indicated in a child's growth chart. False Negative
A test result that is not correct. This may be a result of performing the test incorrectly or using a test that is not accurate. A false negative test in HIV would be a test that is negative in a person who is actually infected. False Positive
A test result that is not correct. This may be a result of performing the test incorrectly or using a test that is not accurate. A false positive test in HIV would be a test that is positive in a person who is not infected. For this reason, a second confirmatory test is recommended when a person tests HIV positive. Fat Redistribution
Also called body fat redistribution syndrome (BFR). Changes in body fat distribution, sometimes referred to as "lipodystrophy syndrome" or "fat redistribution syndrome," have been observed in patients taking protease inhibitors. Changes may include abdominal fat accumulation ("protease paunch"), fat accumulation over the back of the neck ("buffalo hump"), wasting of legs and arms with prominence of the veins, facial thinning, and breast enlargement. FHI
Family Health International Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of all drugs, biologics, vaccines, and medical devices, including those used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection, AIDS, and AIDS-related opportunistic infections. FP
Family planning Fungus
One of a group of primitive, nonvascular organisms including mushrooms, yeasts, rusts, and molds. Fusion Inhibitor
A class of antiretroviral agents that binds to the envelope protein and blocks the structural changes necessary for the virus to fuse with the host CD4 cell. A recently approved drug in this class is enfuvirtide (T-20). Gammaglobulin
One of the proteins in blood serum that contains antibodies obtained from pooled human plasma. See
Globulins; Immunoglobulin G (IgG). Gamma Interferon
A T-cell-derived stimulating substance that suppresses virus reproduction, stimulates other T cells, and activates macrophage cells. Gastrointestinal (GI)
Relating to the stomach and intestines. Gay
Having sexual relations with an individual of the same sex. Usually refers to male-male relations. The term lesbian is most often used for female-female sexual relationships. Genitals
The area of the sexual organs. In the male, the penis and scrotum. In the female, the vulva and vagina. Genital Ulcer Disease
Ulcerative lesions on the genitals usually caused by a sexually transmitted disease such as herpes, syphilis, or chancroid. The presence of genital ulcers may increase the risk of transmitting HIV. Genital Warts
See
Condyloma. Genitourinary Tract
The organs concerned with the production and excretion of urine and those concerned with reproduction. Also called genitourinary system, urogenital system, or urogenital tract. Genotype
The genetic makeup of an individual organism such as HIV. In reference to HIV, genotypic resistance testing determines whether the HIV genetic structure contains certain mutations that make it resistant to a drug. Contrast with Phenotype.
Gestation
Pregnancy. Giardiasis
A common protozoal infection of the small intestine, spread via contaminated food and water and direct person-to-person contact. Globulins
Simple proteins found in the blood serum containing various substances that function in the immune system function. See
Immunoglobulin (Ig). Gonorrhea
An infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Although gonorrhea is considered primarily a sexually transmitted disease, it can also be transmitted to newborns during the birth process. Granulocyte
A type of white blood cell filled with granules of compounds that digest infectious agents. Granulocytes are part of the innate immune system and have broad-based activity. Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF)
A substance (cytokine) that stimulates the growth of granulocytes, a type of white blood cell. G-CSF improves the neutropenia that is a side effect of certain drugs and infections. Granulocyte Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF)
A substance secreted by cells (cytokine) that stimulates the growth of granulocytes and macrophages. Like the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), it improves neutropenia. Granulocytopenia
A lack or low level of granulocytes in the blood. Often used interchangeably with neutropenia. | 
