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V
(vax-zine)
A substance that contains antigenic components from an infectious organism. By stimulating an immune response (but not disease), it protects against subsequent infection by that organism, or may direct an immune response against an established infection or cancer.
vertical transmission
Transmission, for example of HIV, from mother-to-baby.
viraemia
(vy-ree-me-uh)
The presence of virus in the blood.
viral load
Measurement of the amount of virus in a sample. HIV viral load indicates the extent to which HIV is reproducing in the body.
virion
(vi-ree-on)
A virus particle existing freely outside a host cell.
virologic response
The effect of treatment on viral load.
virulence
The power of bacteria or viruses to cause a disease. Different strains of the same micro-organism can vary in virulence.
virus
(vy-russ)
A microscopic germ which reproduces within the living cells of the organism it infects.
visceral
(viss-sir-ull)
Of or pertaining to the internal organs.
vulva
The external female genitals.
virological relapse
When viral load can be measured after previously being undectectable.