Final answer:
In HIV disease, the number of CD4 plus T lymphocytes decreases as the infection and symptoms become more severe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of CD4 plus T lymphocytes decreases as the HIV infection and symptoms become more severe. HIV attacks and destroys CD4+ T cells, which are an essential part of the immune system. As the number of CD4+ T cells decreases, the body's defense against infections and diseases weakens.