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Immunological
Testing
Although considerable
attention in recent years has focussed on laboratory tests for measuring
virus load and drug resistance, immunologic tests remain an essential
part of patient monitoring. Ultimately, it is the loss of CD4+ T-lymphocytes
that results in immune deficiency in HIV infection, and the ultimate
goal of antiretroviral therapy is immune reconstitution.
In clinical practice the CD4 count is the most commonly used marker
of immune competence. However, the CD4 count is only a surrogate
for immune function. A number of additional assays provide a more
complete assessment of immune function. Although these assays are
not routinely available for clinical purposes, familiarity with
these assays is helpful in understanding much of the research regarding
HIV pathogenesis and immune reconstitution.
4/15/01
Copyright 2001
by HIV and Hepatitis.com. All Rights Reserved
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