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National HIV/AIDS Program
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Glossary of HIV/AIDS Terms

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Wasting Syndrome
See AIDS Wasting Syndrome.

Western Blot
A laboratory test for specific antibodies to confirm repeatedly positive results on the HIV ELISA or EIA tests. In the United States, Western blot is the validation test used most often for confirmation of these other tests. In developing countries, a rapid HIV test is utilized most commonly. A positive rapid HIV test should be confirmed by a second rapid HIV test made by a different manufacturer.

White Blood Cells
See Leukocytes.

WHO
World Health Organization

Wild-Type Virus
The original type of HIV, unchanged by having developed any resistance to antiretroviral drugs. Also, the most common type of a virus in the host population before genetic manipulation or mutation; virus that is isolated from a host as opposed to one that is grown in a laboratory culture. See Primary Isolate.

Window Period
Time from infection with HIV until antibodies are detected.

Yeast Infection
See Candidiasis.

ZDV
Zidovudine

Zidovudine
(ZDV; AZT; Retrovir (trade name)) A nucleoside analogue for treatment of HIV infection and also approved for preventing maternal-fetal HIV transmission.

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