Question

How do we know when HIV has progressed to AIDS?

1) Through blood tests that measure the number of CD4 cells in the body
2) Through the presence of opportunistic infections
3) Through the development of certain symptoms such as weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and persistent fever
4) All of the above

Answer 1

We identify the progression of HIV to AIDS by monitoring the CD4 cell count, the presence of opportunistic infections, and the emergence of specific symptoms such as weight loss and persistent fever.

We know that HIV has progressed to AIDS through a combination of factors, which include:

• Blood tests that measure the number of CD4 cells in the body. When the CD4 count drops below 200 cells/μL, it is one of the criteria for an AIDS diagnosis.
• The presence of opportunistic infections, which are illnesses that occur more frequently and are more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS.
• The development of certain symptoms, such as weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and persistent fever. These symptoms are indicative of a severely compromised immune system.

All of the above are indicators that HIV has progressed to AIDS.