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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.

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IDU (Injecting drug user)

An expression used to describe a person who injects drugs into their body; usually illicit drugs.

Immune Reconstitution Syndrome

An uncommon syndrome following commencement of treatment for HIV/AIDS where an excessive response to opportunistic infections by the recovering immune system leads to disease.

Immune system

The immune system protects the body by fighting infection and disease. HIV impairs the functioning of the immune system so that a person with HIV is less able to fight off infections.

Immunodeficiency

The immune system has been weakened by HIV or some medicines e.g. to treat cancer, organ transplants.

Immunosuppressed

Describes a person with immunodefiency because their immune system has been weakened by HIV or some medicines. This person is more likely to get opportunistic infections (OIs).

Impotence

The inability of a man to have or maintain an erection of his penis.

Indeterminate test result

A term describing when a diagnostic test gives neither a clear positive or negative result. The test may need to be repeated or a different test used.

Infection control

To prevent the transmission of infection and disease by treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious. Infection control practices include the wearing of gloves and are standard in hospitals and should be used in community settings if people are exposed to blood or body fluids.

Infectious diseases

A disease caused by an infectious (communicable) agent that can be passed from person to person.

Infectious Diseases Physician

A doctor who specialises in the treatment of infectious diseases.

Infectious, infectiousness

Able to be transmitted and cause infection.

Infertility

Inability to conceive or have children.

Inflammation

Caused by the body's response to disease or other injury, usually consisting of swelling, redness, pain and sometimes loss of function.

Informed consent

When a person agrees to a certain test or treatment, after having the disease, the test or treatment fully explained to them.

Inject

To introduce a liquid substance into the body with a needle and syringe.

Injecting equipment

A term which usually refers to the things needed to inject drugs. These include needle, syringe, swab, spoon, filter, and tourniquet.

Insertive partner

During sex, the insertive partner is the person who puts their body part (usually penis) inside their partner's mouth, vagina or anus.

Interferon

A protein made by the body to fight infection. It can also be made as a drug treatment for Hepatitis B or C. e.g. Pegylated interferon.

Intersex

An individual who has the physical characteristics of both sexes.

Itchy

To feel a sensation, usually on the skin, that makes you want to scratch.

IUD (Intrauterine device)

A contraceptive device inserted into the uterus to prevent a pregnancy.

Printed glossaries

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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.

Multicultural Health & Support Service