Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a natural result of HIV infection. However, with early detection and taking the appropriate medications, years pass before this moment occurs. Controlling and monitoring the concentration of leukocytes in the blood in HIV infection is an important component of therapeutic treatment. Thus, the progression of HIV can be completely prevented, and accordingly, the patient's life can be increased by several decades. White blood cells help the immune system fight microorganisms, viruses, and malignant neoplasms. They protect the body of the individual from the penetration of allergens, protozoa and fungi.
Which leukocytes are most affected by HIV?
By affecting immune cells, it interferes with their work, and over time they cease to perform their functions. As a result of these processes, the body cannot fight infections and slowly dies. HIV infects those protective cells on the surface of which there are protein CD-4 receptors. A large number of them are found in the membrane of T-helper lymphocytes. Due to the activation of other lymphocyte cells, they significantly increase the response to the penetration of infectious agents into the body. In addition, CD-4 contains macrophages, monocytes, Langerhans cells and others.
Initially, the presence of an immunodeficiency virus can be suspected by decoding the results of the CBC (general blood test). Early leukocytes are elevated. With progression, neutropenia and lymphopenia (decrease in lymphocytes) are observed and, as a result, weakening of immunity. Of course, a complete blood count is not specific. At different stages of the disease, white blood cells can be either higher or lower than acceptable values.
Blood test for suspected HIV
This is a proven and informative form of diagnosis. Some leukocytes contain a protein receptor CD-4, and since these cells are affected first, the calculation of CD-4 is important in the diagnosis of HIV. If an individual has an incorrect diet or, shortly before the delivery of the biomaterial, he suffered a strong nervous shock, then the test results will be inaccurate. In addition, the final result is also influenced by the time period, that is, in which half of the day the blood was donated. A reliable, almost one hundred percent result can be obtained only when the biomaterial is delivered in the morning. Acceptable CD-4 values \u200b\u200b(measured in units) depend on the condition of the individual:
- in HIV-infected up to 3.5;
- with a viral or infectious disease 3.5-5;
- in a practically healthy 5-12.
Thus, the higher the value of this indicator, the less likely the patient to have HIV. To confirm the diagnosis, a CBC is needed to be sure of a low white blood cell count. The viral load test will also reveal in the blood components of RNA-HIV that are not detected in a healthy individual. By analyzing this indicator, the doctor predicts the further development of the disease.
Are leukocytes high or low in HIV?
Depending on the stage of the disease, the concentration of leukocytes either increases or decreases. First of all, HIV has a damaging effect on the protective cells of the body, including the blood composition. Consequently, the aggravation of the disease can be prevented and thereby prolong the individual's life. One of the most famous studies that reflect the composition of blood cells is the KLA. The biomaterial for the study is taken from the finger. When decoding the results, special attention is paid to leukocytes. With HIV infection, this is especially significant. Blood cells are classified into several groups that perform different tasks:
- Lymphocytes. As soon as the infection enters the bloodstream, these cells are activated to fight it and their number increases. However, such resistance is ineffective and HIV continues to develop. In the absence of therapy at the initial stage, the number of lymphocytes drops, which is an alarming signal.
- Neutrophils are the body's defenders against immunodeficiency states and viruses. Their concentration decreases when the pathogen enters the bloodstream, and this condition is characterized as neutropenia.
- Platelets - affect blood clotting. In HIV-infected individuals, this rate is low, which contributes to the formation of sudden bleeding, which is quite difficult to stop, and sometimes impossible.
Regardless of the functions performed, all leukocytes jointly organize a strong defense of the individual's body, identifying and destroying harmful elements. In addition, the patient has a low hemoglobin index due to a deterioration in the work of red blood cells, which are responsible for the delivery of oxygen to tissues and organs. As a result, the body's resistance to infections is almost completely absent. If HIV is detected, it is necessary to regularly visit the attending physician and take the biomaterial to the UAC. When studying the results of the study, the doctor first of all studies in the results how many leukocytes are. In HIV, it is these cells that are affected first. Monitoring indicators in dynamics makes it possible to track the development of the disease, prescribe the necessary treatment and prolong the life of the infected. Lack of therapy is fraught with death approximately two years after the initial blood poisoning.
Complete blood count for leukocytes
An interesting fact is that when examining leukocytes under a microscope, they are pinkish-purple in color, and they are called white blood cells. The sampling of biomaterial for research is carried out from the finger. Those infected with HIV take it on a quarterly basis. No special preparation is required before taking the analysis. Doctors recommend adhering to certain conditions, namely, taking it to one clinical laboratory in the morning and on an empty stomach in order to obtain reliable results, since the number of leukocytes depends on the time of day and diet. Acceptable values \u200b\u200bof white cells in children and adults are different, and gender does not matter. In a practically healthy individual, the leukocyte formula (as a percentage of the total number of immune cells) is as follows:
- neutrophils - 55;
- lymphocytes - 35;
- basophils - 0.5-1.0 - help other leukocytes to recognize foreign agents.
- eosinophils attack allergens - 2.5;
- monocytes - 5 - absorb foreign elements that have entered the blood.
For diagnosis, it is important not only to deviate from the norm, but to increase and decrease the total number of leukocytes. In HIV infection, first of all, attention is paid to the level of lymphocytes. The initial stage is characterized by increased concentration, and the further spread of the infection and, as a result, weakening of the immune system reduces this indicator. It is important to remember that the KLA does not aim at making an accurate diagnosis, it only shows changes in the composition of the blood, on the basis of which the doctor decides on further actions.
When is a KLA for HIV needed?
Below are the situations in which this analysis is required. You can do it at any health care institution and is completely free:
- When registering for pregnancy.
- A sharp decrease in body weight (in the absence of a cause).
- Use of drugs for non-medical purposes.
- Unprotected sex and frequent partner changes.
- Sex with HIV.
- Persistent health problems. When the immunodeficiency virus is infected, immunity decreases, and the individual becomes vulnerable to various diseases.
- Chronic tiredness and weakness.
- With surgery or blood transfusion.
The analysis will show changes in blood counts in infected individuals, including a violation of the leukocyte formula.
Changes in the general blood count
With HIV, the level of leukocytes changes and manifests itself:
- lymphocytosis - a high level of lymphocytes;
- neutropenia - a decrease in the number of granular leukocytes;
- lymphopenia - a low concentration of T-lymphocytes;
- decreased platelets.
In addition, it reveals:
- high ESR;
- increased mononuclear cells;
- low hemoglobin.
However, it is not only in HIV that leukocytes undergo changes. This phenomenon occurs in other pathological conditions. Therefore, based on the results obtained, experts prescribe additional types of research.
Low white blood cell count
If such a result is identified, a thorough examination is necessary. Protecting the body from the effects of pathogens is considered the main function of leukocytes. At a low level:
- colds are a frequent companion;
- infectious conditions are observed for a long period and give complications;
- fungi infect the dermis and mucous membranes;
- high risk of contracting tuberculosis.
The level of leukocytes is influenced by the time of day, diet, age. If the number of cells is less than 4 g / L, then this condition is called leukopenia. White blood cells are quite sensitive to various internal and external factors. Decreased leukocytes are observed with:
- HIV infection;
- exposure to radiation;
- underdevelopment of the bone marrow;
- transformations in the bone marrow associated with age-related changes;
- disorders of an autoimmune nature, in which antibodies to leukocytes and other blood elements are synthesized;
- leukopenia, the cause of which is a hereditary predisposition;
- immunodeficiency states;
- endocrine diseases;
- the destructive consequences of leukemia and bone marrow metastases;
- acute viral conditions;
- failure of renal, hepatic and cardiac.
Basically, a deviation from the permissible values \u200b\u200boccurs as a result of insufficient production of cells or their premature destruction, and since there are several types of leukocytes, the deviations of the leukocyte formula are different. Conditions in which both lymphocytes and leukocytes are lowered are:
- damage to the immune system;
- hereditary mutations or pathologies;
- autoimmune disorders;
- infectious lesions of the bone marrow.
Thus, when the cell level changes, additional examination is required. Their excess and lack of them negatively affects health.
Reasons for a decrease in lymphocytes in the blood
Lymphocytes, which belong to the group of leukocytes, in HIV and other conditions of the body are responsible for cellular immunity, distinguishing between their own and foreign proteins. A low level of lymphocytes, the rate of which depends on age, indicates lymphopenia. In the leukocyte formula, they must correspond to a certain amount. Permissible deviation percentage from the total number of all elements:
- 20 - in adolescents and adults;
- 50 - in children from five to seven years old;
- 30 - for babies.
A slight decrease in lymphocytes occurs with infections. In this case, the focus is rapidly attacked by immune cells, and lymphopenia is temporary. For a correct diagnosis, it is important to find out as soon as possible the reason for the decrease in these cells. A low level of leukocytes is detected in HIV, as well as in:
- miliary tuberculosis;
- severe infections;
- aplastic anemia;
- chronic liver disease;
- chemotherapy;
- lupus erythematosus;
- destruction of lymphocytes;
- intoxication with corticosteroids;
- lymphosarcoma;
- and etc.
Detection of lymphopenia requires immediate treatment of the pathologies that provoked it.
Causes affecting the concentration of leukocytes in the immunodeficiency virus
The provocateurs of increased leukocytes in HIV or, conversely, decreased ones, are various processes that take place in the body:
In addition to HIV, an increase in leukocytes is observed with nervous breakdowns. The decreased or increased content of these cells can be from overheating or hypothermia. Consequently, it is impossible to diagnose immunodeficiency in an individual based on only one elevated indicator. In order to correctly evaluate the obtained research results, it is necessary to find out the anamnesis.
Conclusion
Timely detection of the immunodeficiency virus and the use of antiretroviral therapy prevents the activation of the infectious process, and, accordingly, AIDS. The routine blood test successfully copes with the tasks of early diagnosis. With the immunodeficiency virus, the indicators of leukocyte cells, which are responsible for the immune system, change first. It is no coincidence that leukocytes in the blood in HIV are called a mirror, which reflects the course of pathology. Determining their number is important both for predicting the infectious process and for the prevention of severe complications.
In addition, the individual has a fairly low level of hemoglobin, as a result, the body's resistance is limited and anemia occurs. The detection of HIV cells obliges a person to visit the attending doctor at least four times a year, take tests and undergo the necessary examinations. It is important to remember that regular monitoring of the development of the disease and timely correction of drug treatment prolong life.
HIV infection is a disease caused by the immunodeficiency virus. The development of various secondary infections and all kinds of malignant neoplasms is characteristic of pathology. These disorders result from large-scale dysfunction of the immune system. HIV infection can last from several months or even weeks to tens of years. Then the disease takes the form of AIDS - directly acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Death in the absence of AIDS therapy occurs within 1-5 years.
The disease at its various stages is diagnosed using several studies:
- screening test - detection of antibodies to the virus in the patient's blood using enzyme immunoassay;
- polymerase chain reaction;
- tests for immune status;
- viral load tests - this procedure is performed with a positive screening test.
In addition, the immunodeficiency virus has a detrimental effect on the functioning of all body systems. As a result, the development of an infection in a patient is indicated, for example, by the results of a clinical blood test.
Attention! A clinical blood test does not reveal whether a patient has HIV infection or AIDS. Nevertheless, if a person has multiple deviations from the norm during diagnosis, it is recommended that he be tested for antibodies to the virus.
The human immunodeficiency virus is a member of the retrovirus family. Once in the patient's body, it provokes the development of a slowly progressive disease of HIV infection, which gradually takes on a more severe and difficult to treat form - AIDS.
Attention! AIDS is a complex of diseases that occur in people with a positive HIV status. The pathological process develops as a result of disorders in the functioning of the immune system.
After entering the body, the causative agent of the infection is introduced into the vessels. In this case, the virus attaches to blood cells responsible for the reactive function, that is, for the work of the immune system. Inside these shaped elements, HIV multiplies and spreads throughout all human organs and systems. To a greater extent, lymphocytes suffer from the attack of the pathogen. That is why one of the characteristic signs of the disease is long-term lymphadenitis and lymphadenopathy.
Infectious agents over time are able to change their structure, which does not allow the patient's immunity to timely detect the presence of the virus and destroy it. Gradually, the functioning of the immune system is more and more suppressed, as a result of which a person loses the ability to defend against various infections and various pathological processes in the body. The patient develops various disorders, complications of even the mildest diseases arise, for example, acute respiratory infections.
Attention! In the absence of therapy, secondary, that is, opportunistic, diseases can be fatal 8-10 years after the virus enters the human body. Correctly selected treatment can prolong the patient's life up to 70-80 years.
HIV symptoms
With the development of HIV infection, the patient begins to worry about the following symptoms:
- skin rashes, stomatitis, inflammation of the epithelial membranes;
- lymphadenitis, with the transition of HIV to AIDS, lymphadenopathy develops - damage to most of the lymph nodes in the patient's body;
- nausea and vomiting;
- decreased appetite and weight, anorexia;
- myalgia and cephalalgia;
- sore throat, sore throat;
- cough, shortness of breath;
- the appearance of plaque on the tongue and throat;
- stool disorders, tenesmus - painful urge to defecate;
- excessive sweating;
- decreased vision.
Initially, the patient may experience only one of the above symptoms. As the pathological process develops, the number of characteristic signs of HIV infection increases.
Complete blood count for HIV infection
In some cases, patients seek help from a specialist with complaints of frequent colds, weakness and drowsiness, a general deterioration in well-being, etc. In this case, the doctor prescribes various studies, including a complete blood count. The identification of significant deviations from the norm is the reason for the mandatory screening test for HIV.
A general or clinical blood test is a diagnostic procedure performed in a laboratory. This study allows you to obtain information about various blood parameters: the number of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets; erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hemoglobin content, etc.
Clinical study of blood counts (norm)
| Index | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Content of erythrocytes | 3.7-4.7x10 ^ 12 | 4-5.1x10 ^ 9 |
| Platelet count | 181-320х10 ^ 9 | 181-320х10 ^ 9 |
| Leukocyte count | 4-9x10 ^ 9 | 4-9x10 ^ 9 |
| Lymphocyte percentage | 19-41% | 19-41% |
| Sedimentation rate of erythrocytes | 2-15 mm / hour | 1-10 mm / hour |
| Hemoglobin | 121-141 grams / liter | 131-161 grams / liter |
| Color index | 0,86-1,15 | 0,86-1,15 |
Attention! Clinical analysis is one of the most commonly used. It is prescribed both to assess the general condition of the patient during a preventive examination, and to confirm or exclude a preliminary diagnosis.
With the help of this study, it is possible to identify a number of pathologies: diseases of a bacterial, fungal and viral nature, inflammatory processes in the patient's body, malignant tumors, anemia and other disorders in the functioning of the hematopoietic organs, helminthiasis, etc. When conducting a general blood test, a specialist has the opportunity to obtain information about the following indicators:
- Erythrocytes - red blood cells. Their main function is to carry oxygen and carbon dioxide. An increased number of red blood cells may indicate the formation of carcinomas, polycystic kidney disease, Cushing's disease, etc. A lack of blood cells is a sign of overhydration, pregnancy or anemia.
- Platelets - colorless blood cells formed from bone marrow cells. Provide normal blood clotting. Their excess signals an inflammatory process in the patient's body, leukemia or polycythemia - a tumor process of the hematopoietic system. The disadvantage is about various types of anemias and thrombocytopenic purpura.
- Leukocytes - white blood cells. They are necessary for the recognition and destruction of pathogenic components and for the protection of cellular immunity from bacteria and viruses. Leukocytes are divided into several types. An increased number of leukocytes is a sign of the presence of malignant tumors in the patient's body, infectious diseases, and various tissue damage. With a lack of these cells, one should assume that the patient has bone marrow damage, viral pathologies, acute leukemia, etc.
- Hemoglobin - blood pigment of erythrocytes. Provides transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Increased hemoglobin indicates dehydration and thickening of the blood, decreased hemoglobin indicates anemia.
When making a diagnosis and prescribing further examinations, the doctor takes into account both the indicators of the blood test and the results of the physical examination of the patient, his complaints and history.
Blood counts for HIV infection
Clinical analysis makes it possible to see the following changes in blood counts in an HIV-infected person:
- Leukocytosis - an increase in the level of leukocytes in the blood plasma. In this case, the specialist pays attention not only to the indicator of the absolute number of leukocytes, but also to the ratio of all their types. Lymphocytosis is most common in people with HIV infection. This is a pathology in which the content of lymphocytes in the peripheral bloodstream increases. Such a violation is noted in patients in the early stages of infection. By producing more white blood cells, the body tries to stop the spread of the virus through various systems. Leukocytosis can also indicate the development of various infectious and inflammatory processes. To accurately establish the cause of this violation, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination.
- Lymphopenia - a decrease in the level of lymphocytes in the patient's blood. In patients with HIV infection, the causative agent of the disease infects CD4 T cells, a type of lymphocyte. Also, lymphopenia can develop as a result of a decrease in the production of lymphocytes due to the dysfunction of the lymph nodes that has developed in the patient. If the virus has spread throughout the body, then the patient develops acute viremia. This condition leads to accelerated destruction of lymphocytes and their excretion into the respiratory tract.
- Thrombocytopenia, that is, a low level of platelets, is one of the common pathological conditions in HIV-infected people. Such a violation is due to the fact that the pathogen infects the cells that produce platelets. As a result, the number of platelets in the patient's body rapidly decreases. Thrombocytopenia in a patient is manifested by decreased blood clotting, frequent bleeding, a tendency to hematomas and hemorrhages.
- Neutropenia - decrease in the number of neutrophilic granulocytes. These are special blood cells that are produced in the red bone marrow. In patients with HIV infection or AIDS, the production of neutrophils is disrupted and their accelerated destruction by antibodies occurs.
- Anemia... In patients, due to a decrease in the number of erythrocytes, the hemoglobin content in the blood rapidly drops. As a result, organs and tissues begin to receive less oxygen necessary for their normal functioning.
Attention! When diagnosed, the patient's analyzes can reveal atypical mononuclear cells - lymphocytes that the patient's body produces to fight various viruses, including HIV infection.
It is worth considering that these violations of blood counts may indicate the presence of not only HIV infection, but also a number of other pathologies. Therefore, a clinical blood test is not a specific method for detecting the immunodeficiency virus. To make a diagnosis, a specialist must prescribe additional tests.
How to prepare for analysis
Blood sampling for clinical research is carried out mainly from 7 to 10 am. Before the analysis, approximately 8 hours before the diagnosis, it is necessary to stop eating, exclude coffee, tea and alcohol from the diet. It is allowed to drink non-carbonated water immediately before testing. Excessive physical and mental stress can also negatively affect research results.
Attention! If you are taking any pharmacological drugs, you must inform a specialist about it. Many medications can affect blood counts.
If the patient does not follow the rules for preparing for the test, the results of the study may turn out to be unreliable. If the obtained indicators deviate from the norm, the doctor prescribes a second diagnosis.
A general analysis gives an idea of \u200b\u200bthe various parameters of the blood. It does not accurately detect HIV infection in a person. However, deviations in the indicators indicate the development of any pathological process in the patient's body and are an indication for a specific analysis of an HIV screening test.
Video - What changes are present in the blood with HIV?
HIV infection is a diagnosis for which there is no means in clinical immunology and infectious diseases to guarantee a complete cure. However, timely diagnosis is extremely important, because this is the only way to significantly improve the patient's quality of life.
HIV infection differs from other viral infections by a long incubation period. The pathological condition is characterized by a decrease in the body's defenses (suppression of the immune status). Against this background, various infections and malignancy develop.
To maintain existence and subsequent development, it requires living cellular structures. It is in a living cell that the virus integrates its DNA. For these reasons, various blood tests can help confirm infection and determine where HIV is progressing.
Consider what deviations from the norm in the chemical composition of the blood indicate the fact of an infectious lesion of the body. Before the appointment of diagnostic tests, special attention is paid to the rules of preparation. In the first place is the collection of biological material, including from conditionally infected patients.
The study is carried out only on an empty stomach; before taking blood, you should not eat for 8 hours. You should also stop drinking alcohol for 2-3 days. This is the only way to obtain undistorted diagnostic data. From the moment of infection (even hypothetical) to taking the first tests, at least 3 weeks should pass.
If the test is carried out a short time after a potential infection, the data obtained may be false. This is explained by the fact that the production of specific antibodies to the virus has not yet begun. The reference blood values \u200b\u200bchange slightly, which is why it is impossible to reliably determine whether a person is sick.
Complete blood count for HIV: indicators
This diagnostic method is rightfully considered one of the most important and simplest at the same time.
A complete blood count (CBC) is informative both for the diagnosis of most diseases and for healthy people of different ages.
HIV infection is no exception. Through the conduct of the UAC, the doctor receives information about the presence or absence of pathological processes of a different nature.
This is mainly possible due to the fact that the indicators of the concentration of leukocytes and erythrocytes in the chemical composition of the blood change. These changes are the body's response to the action of an infectious agent, the development of inflammatory processes.
The biological material is venous blood. But if the patient wishes, it can be taken out of the finger, which is not fundamental.
In general, the conduct of the CBC for HIV infection is accompanied by the following changes:
- Lymphocytes - represent a subspecies of leukocytes and are involved in the formation of immunity, in a normal state, their concentration ranges from 19-37%. If the analysis is given in the early stages, the concentration of lymphocytes in the blood is increased, which indicates a fight against the virus. In the future, the patient develops lymphopenia, characterized by a decrease in the level of lymphocytes below normal, which indicates the victory of the virus over immunity.
- Neutrophils are produced by the bone marrow; in a healthy adult, their content in the blood is 50-70%. Severe lesions by the virus are accompanied by a decrease in their concentration, neutropenia develops.
- Platelets - the human immunodeficiency virus provokes a decrease in the concentration of these blood elements. As a result, thrombocytopenia develops, blood clotting decreases, this condition is dangerous with the occurrence of bleeding.
- Hemoglobin - its content in the blood of a healthy person is 120-170 g / l. With HIV infection, hemoglobin values \u200b\u200bfall below normal, which contributes to the development of the virus and the deterioration of the resistance of internal organs. This effect is called anemia and is most common among people living with HIV.
Doctors advise people who are HIV-infected to have a general blood test at least once every 3 months. This is necessary to control the development of the pathological process and correct drug therapy.
ESR indicators in HIV
This blood test method for detecting HIV infection is recognized as the most controversial. The ESR rates in an adult man or woman fluctuate in the range of 2-20 mm / h. With the development of infection, these indicators increase. The same effect is observed in inflammatory processes. This indicates the activation of the immune system.
A serious increase in ESR indicators, for example, within 50 mm / h, may indicate that the body is infected with HIV. However, similar indicators are observed in a number of other pathological processes. Among which are heart failure, rheumatism and even pregnancy. Moreover, ESR indices in immunodeficiency virus remain completely normal for a long time. It is for this reason that the diagnosis of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is carried out in conjunction with other blood tests.
Obtaining general information in combination with ESR, allows you to make a complete picture and make a diagnosis. It is also important to repeat the ESR study, tracking the dynamics of changes.
Blood biochemistry in HIV: indicators
Biochemical analysis is another method of laboratory blood testing. This test is indicative of assessing the state of the body as a whole and the functioning of individual organs in particular.
However, this method is used relatively rarely to diagnose HIV infection. Since only some of its indicators suggest the defeat of the immunodeficiency virus.
Indirectly, HIV infection is signaled by potassium levels in blood biochemistry. HIV infection often damages the kidneys at the cellular level. Also, in the initial stages of the development of an infectious lesion, general dehydration of the body is often noted against the background of prolonged causeless diarrhea. If, at the same time, the concentration of potassium exceeds the approximate indicator of the norm for an adult in the amount of 3.5-5.1 mml / l, it can be assumed that HIV infection is infected. Also, the presence of HIV infection is indicated by an increased content of albumin in the blood.
For a healthy adult, 40.2-47.6 g / l is considered the norm. Even a slight excess of the upper threshold indicates renal or liver dysfunction. Which indirectly indicates the defeat of the body by HIV. However, the indicators of biochemical analysis in the presence of an immunodeficiency virus may remain within the normal range. This diagnostic method is included in the complex of diagnostic measures, but is not the main one.
This research method is considered one of the main ones, it is informative especially in relation to HIV infection. During the diagnosis, the genetic material of the virus is identified.
In other words, the viral load is focused exclusively on the RNA chain of the human immunodeficiency virus. The diagnostic method received this name due to the ability to determine the sections of the RNA chain in a unit of blood plasma.
The study is performed using specialized medical equipment.
Decryption is carried out only by an experienced specialist, since the indicators may vary depending on a number of factors.
For example, drugs taken or recently vaccinated. If the viral load is carried out with the biomaterial of a healthy person, the research indicators will be zero. With low virus activity, indicators fluctuate in the range from 0 to 15,000 cells. Such results are considered conditionally positive, viral lesion is present. But the forecast of its progression in the near future is favorable.
Load indicators are also recorded: at 20,000 - the rate of HIV infection.
And 50,000 and even 100,000 cells - which means a worsening of the patient's condition. It is important to understand that the higher the number, the less favorable the prognosis for the patient. Thus, the degree of progression of the pathological process and the state of the immune system of the infected are recorded. But with adequate drug therapy, the indicators should fall. That is, to approach the conditional norm, which is determined by repeated testing for viral load.
Indicators of tests for HIV infection
The presence of HIV infection is detected in all biological fluids. But the highest rates are recorded in blood, semen, cervical mucus and breast milk. This means that contact with these biological materials of a healthy person threatens to become infected. However, in addition to blood tests, the doctor may consider it necessary to diagnose urine.
However, this does not mean that urine analysis can detect the immunodeficiency virus. Such an analysis is given exclusively to determine the general state of the human body, which can play a role in the overall picture of diagnosis. That is, this diagnostic method is not basic, but additional.
Urine is taken for analysis to assess the condition and functioning of the excretory system. The following indicators indicate the course of concomitant pathological processes in HIV: an increased content of leukocytes, protein, urea. The increased content of these elements in urine may indirectly indicate the development of HIV, if there are such suspicions.
Immune status in HIV: indicators
This diagnostic method is necessary to determine the quantitative ratio of immune cells per milliliter of blood.
For an HIV-infected person, in this case, the CD4 cell count is important. CD4 lymphocytes, also called T lymphocytes.
In a healthy person, the content of these cells in a cubic milliliter of blood ranges from 600 to 1700 cells / ml. An alarming sign indicating the development of the immunodeficiency virus is a decrease in this indicator.
However, the downward trend is rarely traced in the initial stages of damage to the body. It is more often diagnosed after years of carriage.
Indicators less than the lower threshold indicate suppression of the functioning of the immune system. If the CD4 count falls below 350-400 cells / ml, antiretroviral therapy should be started. If the immunogram for the diagnosis of HIV infection shows a decrease in concentration of less than 200 cells / ml, we are talking about the risk of developing AIDS.
Carriers of HIV infection are shown to undergo this examination at least once every 3 months.
If you suspect HIV infection, get tested by competent venereologists.
Leukocytes in HIV significantly change their level - this is due to the fact that cells and proteins responsible for fighting diseases are affected first. It is thanks to these changes that it becomes possible to calculate the immunodeficiency virus at the very beginning of its development, without waiting for the appearance of characteristic signs.
This is extremely important: only if the disease was calculated at an early stage, it is possible to fight it and make the patient's future life longer and more comfortable. A general blood test can help with this.
General blood test parameters
A complete blood count is a routine test that is taken from a fingertip and considers the following parameters:
- White blood cell count.
- Erythrocyte count and ESR.
- Hemoglobin level.
Leukocytes are white blood cells that provide the body's defense against disease, tumor development, and other similar problems. They are responsible for the level of immunity.
Typically, people with HIV infection have the following characteristics:
| Protein / cell type | Changes | |
| Leukocytes | Lymphocytes | Increased in the early stages of the disease. This is a normal reaction to the penetration of the virus into the body, the lymphocytes are trying to fight it. This condition is called lymphocytosis. The second stage in the development of the disease is lymphopenia, or a decrease in the level of lymphocytes. The body's natural resistance is overcome by the virus. |
| Neutrophils | Decreased. This type of blood cell is produced in the bone marrow and is indicative of a serious virus attack. This condition is called neutropenia. | |
| Platelets | Decreased. They are responsible for the level of blood clotting, and as their number decreases, the risk of bleeding increases. This problem is called thrombocytopenia. | |
| Hemoglobin | Low. This is caused by a deterioration in the work of erythrocytes and a decrease in their number. Promotes the development of the virus, since the resistance of organs that do not receive enough oxygen is reduced. This condition is called anemia. |
People with HIV should have a complete blood count every 3 months - this allows you to track the progress of the disease and take timely therapeutic action if it starts developing faster than usual.
Changes in the level of leukocytes - an ambiguous sign of HIV infection
Fluctuation in the level of leukocytes can occur for various reasons. The reasons for such changes are divided into pathological and physiological.
Pathological processes causing an increase in leukocytes:
- Inflammatory diseases, during which purulent processes take place.
- Diseases that cause tissue necrosis: heart attacks, strokes, burns.
- Intoxication.
- Hypoxemic diseases.
- The development of malignant tumors.
- Development of leukemia.
- Diseases that cause immune responses.
Physiological processes that cause an increase in leukocytes:
- Acceptance of protein foods in large quantities.
- Severe physical stress.
- Strong emotional stress.
- Overheating or hypothermia of the body.
Pathological processes causing a decrease in leukocytes:
- Viral infections.
- Bacterial and protozoal infections.
- Generalized infections.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Aleukemic leukemia.
- Endocrine system diseases.
- Hypersplenism syndrome.
By itself, a change in the leukocyte level does not yet indicate any specific disease. That is why, as a rule, additional analyzes are required.
CD4 test. Viral Load Test
Leukocytes in HIV are the first to suffer, since the immunodeficiency virus infects cells containing a protein receptor such as CD4 - and most of these cells are lymphocytes.
CD4 test
CD4 is a rather difficult indicator to analyze. Nevertheless, determining its level is considered an integral part of HIV diagnosis.
When analyzing CD4, it is important to consider the following features:
- the presence of physical and emotional stress in the patient;
- his food;
- time of blood sampling.
CD4 counts look like this:
It is the indicator that fluctuates from 0 to 3.5, combined with a decrease in the level of leukocytes, that becomes an unambiguous indicator of the need for antiretroviral therapy.
In the course of diagnostics, in order to exclude the likelihood of distortion of the analysis for the CD4 level with the help of certain factors, one more parameter is used. This is the ratio of the number of CD4 cells to the number of CD8 cells. CD8 is a different type of receptor that is not affected by the HIV virus, and their ratio in a healthy body should be greater than 1.
Viral Load Test
The viral load test, as a rule, makes it possible to definitively diagnose the presence of HIV in the body.
In the course of such an analysis, the amount of RNA of HIV fragments in the blood is examined. In a healthy person, such a result will be undetectable.
This analysis is also needed to control the development of the disease by monitoring the increase in the number of RNA fragments.
Oftentimes, HIV testing is done purely as a precaution. They are important for pregnant women, as well as those people who suspect the possibility of infection after sexual intercourse or contact with non-sterile surgical instruments and needles.
HIV is not transmitted through household items, and it is quite difficult to get infected with it in everyday life.