The Meaning of CD4 Count
It is also known as T4 Count and T-Helper Cell
This test measures the number of CD4 cells (also known as T-helper cells) in your blood and assesses the status of your immune system. CD4 cells are a type of white blood cell that fight infection, and they play an important role in your immune system. They help to identify, attack, and destroy specific bacteria, fungi, and other germs that affect the body. CD4 cells are made in the spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus gland, and they circulate throughout the body in the bloodstream. CD4 cells are a major target for HIV, which binds to the surface of CD4 cells, enters them, and either reproduces immediately, killing them in the process, or remains in a resting state, reproducing later. As the HIV virus gets into the cell and replicates, the number of CD4 cells in the blood gradually declines. As HIV disease progresses, the CD4 count will go down and as treatment reduces the progression, the CD4 count will go back up.
What Is The Meaning of Anti-Retroviral (ARV)
Antiretroviral drugs are medications for the treatment of infection by retroviruses.
What is Retroviruses
A retrovirus is any virus belonging to the viral family Retroviridae. They are enveloped viruses possessing an RNA genome, and replicate via a DNA intermediate. Retroviruses rely on the enzyme reverse transcriptase to perform the reverse transcription of its genome from RNA into DNA, which can then be integrated into the host’s genome with an integrase enzyme. The virus then replicates as part of the cell’s DNA.
What is the meaning of Viral Load
Viral load is the term used to describe the amount of HIV in your blood. The more HIV in your blood, the faster your CD4 cells are likely to disappear, and the greater your risk of developing symptoms or further illness within the next few years.
REFERENCES
www.wikipedia.org
www.aidsmap.com
www.labtestsonline.org
