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TB (TUBERCULOSIS)
A lung infection that occurs more often in people with weakened immune systems. TB can be easily passed to others and can lead to death if not treated. TB can be successfully treated with the right medications.
T-Cell (T-LYMPHOCYTE)
Any lymphocyte (see) that matures in the thymus.
Teens
Some three million teenagers are affected with an STD annually, accounting for one-fourth of all new cases. Teens are at high risk for STD infection in part because of biological factors, such as an immature immune system. Behavioral factors that place teens at high risk include early age of first intercourse and multiple partners.
Teratogenicity
The ability to cause defects in a developing fetus. This is distinct from mutagenicity, which causes genetic mutations in sperms, eggs or other cells. Teratogenicity is a potential side effect of many drugs, such as thalidomide.
Testosterone
A naturally occurring male hormone. When administered as a drug it can cause gain in lean body mass, increased sex drive and possibly aggressive behavior. Many men with HIV have low testosterone levels.
Therapeutic Vaccine
An injected therapy consisting of synthetic HIV antigen (e.g., gp160) that is administered to people who already have HIV. It is supposed to heighten and broaden the immune response to HIV, helping to halt disease progression.
Thrush
An infection due to candida yeast. The symptoms of oral candidiasis (thrush) and vaginal candidiasis (formerly called monilia) include pain, itching, redness and white patches in their respective sites. Some common treatments are clotrimazole, nystatin and miconazole.
Tissue
A group or layer of cells that together perform a specific function.
Toxicity
The harmful effects of a given drug that occur during therapy. The term is similar to side effect and adverse reaction.
Toxoplasmosis
A disease caused by the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasmosis can affect a number of organs, but it most commonly causes encephalitis (brain inflammation).
Transmission
The spread of disease, including a sexually transmitted disease, from one person to another.
Trichomoniasis
An infection with a flagellated protozoan, Trichomonas vaginalis. When symptomatic, the infection results in vaginitis in women and urethritis in men. There are an estimated 3 million new cases of trichomoniasis each year. Many infected persons, however, remain asymptomatic.
Trigger (FACTOR)
Any biologic or behavioral event that influences latent HSV to reactivate.
Tumor
An abnormal mass of tissue. Can be cancerous or benign.
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