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BBV-STI Glossary

The BBV/STI Multilingual Glossary is a resource for interpreters who work in health settings. It offers an extensive list of English terms related to sexual health and blood-borne viruses (such as hepatitis) translated into 10 languages, as well as definitions in simple English.

To search for the translation of an English term, first select a language from the list below, and click 'submit'. Then select a letter to view all terms beginning with that letter.

You can also download the glossary as a printed document. Click on the language name in the right-hand column to download a glossary.

Glossaries in Arabic, Chinese, French, Indonesian, Swahili, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese are available online and as print-friendly documents.

Glossaries in Amharic, Burmese, Hindi, Khmer and Tigrinya are only available as print-friendly documents. Click on the language name in the right-hand column to download a glossary. 

Send us your feedback on the glossary.

Register for our free workshop for interpreters on 8 December 2009.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Bacterial infections

Infections caused by bacteria and which can be cured or treated with antibiotics.

Balanitis

Inflammation of the glans of the penis.

BBV (Blood-Borne Virus)

A virus that is transmitted by blood (and some body fluids). Examples are hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV.

Beats

Venues where MSM seek sexual partners.

Birth defects

Conditions that cause the abnormal development of a baby during pregnancy.

Bisexual

Sexually attracted to or has sex with both men and women.

Blood to blood

Blood to blood contact occurs when one person's blood is able to enter the bloodstream of another person. HIV, hep B and hep C can be transmitted this way.

Blood transfusions

A medical procedure involving the transfer of donated blood to a recipient.

Body fluids

Fluids (liquids) within the body that are not blood e.g. vaginal secretions, semen, saliva, breast milk.

Body piercing

The practice of puncturing or cutting a part of the body for the purpose of creating an opening through which jewellery can be worn.

Brothel

An establishment where sexual services are provided in exchange for money.

BSL (Blood Sugar Level)

A test to measure sugar levels in the blood, often to diagnose or monitor diabetes.

BV (Bacterial vaginosis)

A common syndrome which can be associated with an abnormal vaginal discharge.

Printed glossaries

Download print-friendly versions of the glossary:

Amharic   |   Arabic 
Burmese   |   Chinese 
French   |   Hindi 
Indonesian   |   Khmer 
Korean   |   Somali 
Swahili   |   Thai 
Tigrinya   |   Turkish 
Vietnamese  

Doctor and interpreter  

feedback?

Click here to send us your feedback on the BBV/STI Glossary.

 

The BBV/STI Multilingual Glossary is a joint project of the following individuals and agencies:
Suzanne Lau-Gooey
Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT)
Multicultural Health & Support Service
Hepatitis C Victoria, St Vincent's Health
HIV CALD Service - Alfred Health
Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society
Melbourne Health
Resourcing Health and Education in the Sex Industry (RhED)
Funding provided by the Department of Human Services, Victoria.