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  • AIDS HIV Terms
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• AIDS HIV Terms

AIDS-HIV Related Terms

- W -

• Wasting Syndrome

See AIDS Wasting Syndrome.



• Western Blot

A laboratory test for specific antibodies to confirm repeatedly reactive results on the HIV ELISA or EIA tests. In the U.S., Western Blot is the validation test used most often for confirmation of these other tests.



• White Blood Cells

See Leukocytes.



• Wild-Type Virus

The original type of HIV, unchanged by having developed any resistance to antiretroviral drugs. Also, 1. the prevalent type of a virus in the host population before genetic manipulation or mutation; 2. virus that is isolated from a host as opposed to one grown in a laboratory culture. See Primary Isolates.



• Window Period

Time from infection with HIV until antibodies are detected.



• Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS)

A multi-center, prospective study that was established in August 1993 to carry out comprehensive investigations of the impact of HIV infection in women. The rationale for establishing the WIHS was to investigate the clinical, laboratory, and psychosocial aspects of HIV infection in women.