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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

T-cell (T-lymphocyte)

A type of lymphocyte (white blood cell) that helps fight infection. These lymphocytes are affected by HIV.

Tattooing

A permanent marking on the skin made by inserting ink or ash or another substance into the layers of the skin.

TB (Tuberculosis)

A serious infection which is a major health problem worldwide. TB most commonly involves the lungs (pulmonary TB) but any part of the body can be affected. Management of active pulmonary TB requires the person to be isolated for a period to prevent transmission to others.

Terminal illness

An illness that is causing someone to come close to the end of their life.

Termination (of pregnancy)

To stop a pregnancy.

Tests to diagnose/monitor HBV infection

LFTs, AFP, Anti-HBc, Anti-HBe, Anti-HBs, HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA viral load, clotting studies, FBE, ultrasound, liver biopsy, fibroscan…

Tests to diagnose/monitor HCV infection

LFTs, HCV antibodies, HCV RNA PCR, HCV viral load, HCV genotype, FBE, clotting studies, AFP, ultrasound, liver biopsy, fibroscan…

Tests to diagnose/monitor HIV infection

CD4 count, HIV viral load, HIV antibodies, Western blot, FBE, LFTs, lipids, STI screening, CXR, U&Es…

Thalassaemia

An inherited (genetic) disease of haemoglobin in red blood cells. Some people with thalassaemia have been infected with BBVs through contaminated blood products.

Thrush

A fungal infection (candida) which most commonly occurs in the genitalia. Can infect other areas such as the mouth, throat and other mucosal or skin areas, more commonly in people with immunodeficiency.

Tourniquet

A device that constricts or stops blood flow or causes it to build up in one area, e.g. to make a vein swell so that it is easier to inject.

Toxicity

Damage or side effects of a drug or medication.

Transactional sex

Sex in exchange for money or goods.

Transgender

A broad term describing a person whose gender identity is not the same as their biological sex.

Transmission

The passing of an infection from one person to another.

Transplant

To transfer an organ or tissue from one person to another e.g. liver transplant.

Transvestite

A person who dresses in the clothing of the opposite sex for sexual pleasure or comfort.

Treatment

Something that a person does so that they can stay healthy or get better. Treatments can involve taking western medicine, Chinese medicine, herbal medicine and/or changes in lifestyle.

Treatment failure

When treatment does not work.

Trichomoniasis

An STI which causes inflammation of the vagina or urethra, often associated with genital discharge.

Triple therapy

Treatment with 3 drugs, as in many regimens of HAART for HIV.

Tubal Ligation

To 'tie' or cut the fallopian tubes so that ova (eggs) cannot be released - a form of sterilization (contraception).

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