Question

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

Answer 1

In HIV patients, CD4 cells count give the status of immune system and gives accurate prediction/prevention I of ofortunitistic infections.

The other laboratory test is that the HIV viral load test known as ultra sensitive p24 antigen assay. It gives the viral RNA copies for ml of blood like if HIV patients have more than 1 lack copies/ ml called more viral load and give information about disease progression and it also guide for treatment decisions and indicates the given treatment working or not with anti-retroviral agents.

Other tests are

Total complete blood cells count

RT PCR for viral RNA

Flow cytometry for absolute CD4 count

FAC SCAN count for CD4, CD8, CD3 cells absolute count with out cell lysis in whole blood.