Medical Dictionary Definitions A-Z List
Medical Dictionary Definitions A - Z - «H»:
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HIV
HIV: Acronym for the
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome). HIV has also been called the human
lymphotropic virus type III, the lymphadenopathy-associated virus and
the lymphadenopathy virus. No matter
what name is applied, it is a retrovirus. (A r...
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HIV infection, acute
HIV infection, acute: The body's initial reaction to infection by the HIV virus. Acute HIV infection is a flu-like syndrome that occurs immediately after a person contracts HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus 1, the agent that causes AIDS). The syndrome is characterized by fever, sore throat, head...
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HIV infection, primary
HIV infection, primary: The first few months after infection with HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus).
During primary HIV infection, seroconversion occurs -- the appearance of detectable antibodies to HIV in the blood. It normally takes several weeks to several months for antibodies to the virus ...
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HIV test
HIV test: A test for the human immunodeficiency virus, the cause of
AIDS.
HIV tests are designed to detect antibodies to the HIV virus or the HIV virus itself.
The antibody tests are:
ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay): a screening test used to detect infection with HIV. If positive, the ...
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Hives
Hives: A raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a
sign of an allergic reaction. It can be rounded or flat-topped but is
always elevated above the surrounding skin. It reflects circumscribed
dermal edema (local swelling of the skin). The hives are usually well circumscribed but may be coalesce...
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Hives from pressure
Hives from pressure: See Pressure urticaria....
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HLA
HLA: The major human histocompatibility
system. HLA-typing is done before transplantation to determine the degree of
histocompatibility. HLA is an acronym for Human Leukocyte Antigens....
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HLA-B57
HLA-B57: An HLA type that is strongly associated with unusually slow progression of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from the primary infection to AIDS. In other words, HLA-B57 provides some protection against HIV progression....
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HMPS
HMPS: Hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome....
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hMPV
hMPV: Human metapneumovirus....
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HMS1
HMS1: Homosexuality 1. An alleged gene for human male homosexuality. See: Gay gene....
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HNP
HNP: Human neutrophil peptide....
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HNPCC
HNPCC: Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer....
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Hoarding, pathological
Hoarding, pathological: See: Pathological hoarding....
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Hoarseness
Hoarseness: Hoarseness is a
term referring to abnormal voice changes. Hoarseness may be manifested as a
voice that sounds breathy, strained, rough, raspy, or a voice that has higher or lower pitch. There are many causes of hoarseness, including viral laryngitis, vocal cord nodules, laryngeal papil...
