Dictionary

human herpesvirus 1 through 5 See HHV.

human herpesvirus 6 A herpes virus that apparently lies dormant in many people, and is most likely to cause problems when the immune system is compromised by disease, as in AIDS patients, or by deliberate immune suppression, as in organ transplant patients. Abbreviated HHV-6. There are two forms of HHV-6: A and B. A is…

human herpesvirus 7 A herpes virus that causes seizures and other central nervous system symptoms in children. Abbreviated HHV-7. Closely related to HHV-6, HHV-7 has also been linked to roseola. Diagnosis is made via rapid blood culture or other blood test. Treatment is experimental at this time, but antiviral drugs or beta interferon may be…

human herpesvirus 8 A herpesvirus that may contribute to Kaposi sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that is sometimes seen in AIDS patients, and to some B-cell lymphomas. Abbreviated HHV-8. Diagnosis is made via rapid blood culture or other blood test. Treatment is experimental at this time, but antiviral drugs or beta interferon may be…

human immunodeficiency virus See HIV.

human leukocyte antigen See HLA.

human papillomavirus One of the family of more than 100 viruses that are responsible for causing warts. Abbreviated HPV. The majority of HPVs produce warts on the hands, fingers, or face. Most of these warts are innocuous, causing nothing more than cosmetic concerns. Several types of HPV are confined primarily to the moist skin of…

humerus The long bone in the upper arm that extends from the shoulder to the elbow.

humidifier A machine that puts moisture into the air. Humidified air makes it easier to breathe for persons with certain conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and others.

humor In medicine, a fluid or semifluid substance. For example, the aqueous humor is the fluid normally present in the anterior chamber of the eye, between the cornea and the iris.

humor, aqueous The fluid, continually produced by the ciliary body, that is normally present in the anterior chamber of the eye, between the cornea and the iris.

humoral Pertaining to elements in the blood or other body fluids.