W

WASTING SYNDROME:
See AIDS Wasting Syndrome.

WESTERN BLOT:
A laboratory test for specific antibodies to confirm repeatedly reactive results on the HIV ELISA or EIA tests. In the U.S., Western Blot is the validation test used most often for confirmation of these other tests.

WHITE BLOOD CELLS:
See leukocytes.

WILD-TYPE VIRUS:
The original type of HIV -- unchanged by having developed any resistance to antiretroviral drugs. Also, 1. the prevalent type of a virus in the host population before genetic manipulation or mutation; 2. virus that is isolated from a host as opposed to one grown in a laboratory culture (see Primary Isolates).

WINDOW PERIOD:
Time from infection with HIV until detectable seroconversion.