Monday, October 24, 2011

Can someone break down for me in laymen terms how the HIV/AIDS T-cell counts works

Can someone break down for me in laymen terms how the HIV/AIDS T-cell counts works?
I have friend who is newly diagnosed and trying to support them with doctors' appointments. She is getting her t-cell counts but can't make heads or tails of it.
Infectious Diseases - 2 Answers
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1 :
It is just a count of the number of CD4+ T-cells per cubic mm of circulating blood. CD4+ are the type of white blood cell that HIV infects and kills, and they are also the type that is a crucial link in immune response against viral infections (with viral infections, the CD4+'s job is to alert the killer T-cells, called CD8+, to the presence of infected cells). In addition, CD4+ help in the direct killing of bacterial and fungal infections. Therefore, poor CD4+ counts make it increasingly difficult for the body to fight off infections that people with normal immune systems would essentially never get (these infections are called AIDS-defining illnesses) and low counts also make it difficult (in fact, probably impossible) for the body to get rid of HIV. What makes HIV an unusual virus is that it specifically targets a link in the immune system. Generally the definition of AIDS involves a CD4+ count of less than 200 cells/mm3 alone or in combination with an AIDS-defining illness (thrush, PCP pneumonia, Cryptococcal pneumonia, Kaposis sarcoma are the most well known of these). In Westernized countries, full blown AIDS can usually be warded off indefinitely, though, with good adherence to the prescribed antiviral meds (which are frequently not begun until CD4+ drop below 400/mm3, as far as I know). If your friend can do a good job with her meds, she will likely be fine for a long time and there's a very good chance that she'll live a pretty normal life, actually. Best of luck to you and her.
2 :
HIV kills T cells called CD4 cells, which help us fight infection. Low CD4 cell counts cause people to become vulnerable to all other infections, any of which can kill someone whose immune system is severely damaged. Once the CD4 count drops to 200 or below, diagnosis changes to AIDS. According to a specialist I work with, treatment is usually started when the CD4 count drops to 350 or below. Your friend should ask her doctor to explain her test results so that she can understand them.

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