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AIDS/HIV
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Definitions P

p24: A protein in HIV's inner core. The p24 antigen test looks for the presence of this protein in a patient's blood.

Parenteral: Administered by infusion or injection.

Pathogenesis: The origin and development of a disease.

PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cell): Cells in the bloodstream with one nucleus.

Peptide: A short compound formed by the linkage of two or more amino acids. Proteins are made of multiple peptides.

PHA (phytohemagglutinin): A plant chemical used to stimulate the multiplication of white blood cells.

Pharmacokinetics: The processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of a drug or vaccine.

Placebo: An inactive substance administered to some study participants while others receive the agent under evaluation, to provide a basis for comparison of effects.

Polymerase: An enzyme that promotes synthesis of segments of genetic material, either RNA or DNA.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): A sensitive technique that can detect and quantify HIV in a person's blood or lymph nodes.

Polyvalent vaccine: A vaccine that is protective against multiple viral strains.

Prevalence: The number of people in a population affected with a particular disease at a given time.

Prophylaxis: Prevention of disease.

Protocol: The detailed plan for a clinical trial that states the trial's rationale, purpose, drug or vaccine dosages, length of study, routes of administration, who may participate and other aspects of trial design.

Pseudovirion: A virus-like particle.

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