CD4 count

 

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Q4: What happens to the level of viral particles (viral load) over the course of an HIV infection?

Answer:

• Initially: Viral load rises sharply during primary infection (first few weeks).
• Then: It drops due to immune response and enters a latent phase (still present but at lower levels).
• Later: It gradually increases again over the years as HIV destroys more immune cells.
• Final stage: Near AIDS, viral load spikes again due to immune system failure.

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Q5: What happens to CD4+ lymphocytes over the course of infection?

Answer:

• Initially: CD4+ T cells drop sharply right after infection.
• Then: They partially recover but never return to normal.
• Over time: They gradually decline during the clinical latency phase.
• Final stage: CD4 count drops below 200 cells/mm³, which is when AIDS is diagnosed.