Final answer:
A patient with 700/μL CD4 T cells and no apparent illness is in Stage 1 of HIV infection. Antiretroviral therapy can delay the progression to AIDS by reducing the viral load and preserving immune function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stage of HIV infection in a patient with a CD4 T cell count of 700/μL and no apparent illness is Stage 1. During this stage, the viral load can be quite high and the number of CD4 T cells gradually decline; however, the body's immune response manages to reduce the viral load and the patient may not show any symptoms. As the infection progresses, without treatment, the virus continues to replicate, which can eventually lead to a decrease in CD4 T cells and the development of AIDS. Antiretroviral therapy can help delay the onset of AIDS by decreasing the viral load and allowing the immune system to improve its function.