CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile

HIV-1 infection results in a decrease of CD4 T cells, an increase of CD8 T cells, a decrease in the CD4:CD8 ratio, and a progressive destruction of immune function. In HIV-1 seropositive patients, enumeration of CD4 T cells may be used for prognostic purposes and to monitor disease progression and antiretroviral therapy.

CD4 and CD8 cells are T lymphocytes with an important function in the maintenance of the acquired immune system. A CD4:Cd8 ratio test measures the amount of CD4 cells to CD8 cells. The CD4 cells should be in a 2:1 or greater ratio, the normal value for this test. This test is primarily used in people who have been diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a virus which attacks and diminishes the number of CD4 cells in the body. This test measures the ratio in order to monitor disease progression and the efficacy of antiretroviral treatment in people with HIV.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Diagnosis with HIV
• Symptoms and signs of AIDS disease
• On antiretroviral therapy for HIV
• Wanting to fall pregnant or already pregnant while HIV positive

Also Known As: HIV disease progression & treatment monitoring