Question

How is CD4 count involved in monitoring HIV infection? What is another laboratory method to monitor the disease?

Answer 1

For monitoring of HIV using CD4 count provides important information about disease progression and the immune system. The use of the CD4 count as an independent and reliable marker for treatment outcome is attractive from various aspects. First, CD4 counts are already the most important factor in deciding whether to initiate antiretroviral therapy and opportunistic prophylaxis – all HIV-positive patients in high-income countries, and an increasing number of patients in low-income countries have a baseline CD4 count at entry into care. Second, the CD4 count is a relatively objective and simple marker to follow. Finally, the cost of CD4 counts has become more affordable, including in developing countries.

The presence of HIV 1/2 infections in individuals can be ascertained only through the use of laboratory tests on body fluids such as blood, plasma, etc.

Other methods are- serological testing, rapid HIV assays, DNA and RNA testing, western blotting etc.