Stage 3 HIV infection, AIDS, is characterized by which of the following?

Stage 3 HIV infection, AIDS, is characterized by which of the following?

• A. CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³ or opportunistic infections
• B. High viral load only
• C. No symptoms
• D. Only opportunistic infections with normal CD4

Answer: (A)

AIDS is diagnosed when the immune system is severely compromised, shown by a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³ or the presence of opportunistic infections (or certain AIDS-defining cancers). The defining factor is immune system failure, not just how much virus is circulating. A high viral load by itself does not establish AIDS. Some people may have few or no symptoms even as HIV progresses, but AIDS is defined by CD4 depletion or opportunistic infections. Opportuistic infections with a normal CD4 count are not typical of AIDS, since those infections usually occur when the immune system is weakened.

AIDS is diagnosed when the immune system is severely compromised, shown by a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³ or the presence of opportunistic infections (or certain AIDS-defining cancers). The defining factor is immune system failure, not just how much virus is circulating. A high viral load by itself does not establish AIDS. Some people may have few or no symptoms even as HIV progresses, but AIDS is defined by CD4 depletion or opportunistic infections. Opportuistic infections with a normal CD4 count are not typical of AIDS, since those infections usually occur when the immune system is weakened.