The CD4 Cell Count and HIV

The CD4 cell count has a heavy impact on the healththe "suppressor" cells. Basically, they work to close up
of the individuals that suffer from HIV. These cellsthe response that is originally initiated by the immune
are an intricate and critical component to the immunesystem of the body. These unique lymphocytes have
system of the human body. These cells are part ofalso been known to kill cells that they interpret as a
the white blood cells throughout the body.danger such as those associated with infections and
Medical professionals often refer to these cells asvarious types of cancer.
"Lymphocytes". Many professionals may also refer toWhen an individual has HIV, the CD4 cell count
them as "T-Cells". When evaluating the CD4 cell countbecomes infected with the virus. The actual code
that is present in an HIV sufferer, doctors distinguishthat is genetically associated with HIV becomes
two unique types. These types are identified asembedded into these fighter cells. When the CD4 cell
"T-4" and "T-8". The "T-4" versions are also identifiedcount reacts to the HIV that has invaded the body,
as "CD4+" and the "T-8" versions are also identifiedthey multiply to create a stronger defense.
as "CD8+".Unfortunately, this means that in a short amount of
Each of these cells plays a vital role when it comestime, the virus spreads throughout the body rapidly.
to determining the CD4 cell count in people thatAs time progresses, the body shows less and less of
suffer from HIV. The "T-4" cells are considered to bethese white blood cells. As the CD4 cell count
the "helper" cells. These are responsible for focusingdecreases, the immune system of the body is also
on infections that invade the body in order toweaker. It is at this point that the sufferer starts to
eliminate them.experience the worst of the medical complications
The "T-8" white blood cells are often referred to asassociated with HIV.