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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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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

MAC (Mycobacterium Avium Complex)

An opportunistic infection that can occur in someone with HIV/AIDS.

Mantoux test

A skin test used to detect prior infection with tuberculosis. Can also be positive in people who have had BCG vaccination against TB.

Marginalised groups

Groups that are given lower social standing in a community.

Masturbation

Using the hands to stimulate the genitals of self or another person in order to achieve sexual pleasure.

MDR (Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis)

Tuberculosis that is difficult (MDR) or almost impossible (XDR) to cure with current medications.

Medication

Any substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, treatment, or prevention of infection or disease.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges (the coverings) of the brain.

Menstruation

The loss of the lining of the uterus that a woman experiences as blood loss from her vagina when she is not pregnant. A natural healthy process.

Mental health

Mental and emotional well-being. Resilience and ability to cope with the stress of normal life.

Methamphetamine

An illicit stimulant drug that can be snorted, smoked, injected or swallowed.

Midwife

A health professional (nurse) who is specialised in the care of a woman who is pregnant, during childbirth and care of the newborn after birth.

Molluscum contagiosum

A virus which causes round white swellings on the skin, caused by skin-to-skin contact. More common and extensive in people with HIV/AIDS.

Monitoring

A process of regular tests and clinic visits to follow how a disease develops, decide when to start treatment, observing if treatment works.

Monotherapy

Treatment with one drug.

MSM

A term used to describe men who have sex with men. This includes bisexual men and men who do not identify or see themselves as homosexual.

Mucosa

Thin sheet of tissue that cover or line various parts of the body - usually those areas that are 'wet', e.g. vagina, mouth, eyes, nose.

Mucus

The thick secretions or liquid produced by mucus membranes.

Mutation

A change in the genetic code of an organism.

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