Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 193

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The human cells specifically affected by HIV are:

  

     A. Gonocytes

     B. CD4+ T lymphocytes

     C. Islet cells

     D. Red blood cells

    

    

Correct Answer: B. CD4+ T lymphocytes

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HIV directly infects CD4+ T lymphocytes. HIV is a retrovirus that attacks CD4 T lymphocytes eventually leading to the death of these cells and severe immunodeficiency of the individual who has acquired the infection. Once the CD4 count becomes too low, host immune defenses cannot fend off opportunistic infections and malignancies.

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Option A: The presence of a CD4 count of less than 200 or an AIDS-defining illness in a patient with HIV is the criteria for a diagnosis of AIDS. Treatment of AIDS is focused on opportunistic illness or condition and decreasing the HIV viral load and monitoring for an increase in CD4 cells through antiretroviral therapy (ART.)

Option C: HIV is a retrovirus, with two subtypes: HIV-1 and HIV-2.[2] The HIV-1 subtype is the most common and responsible for AIDS throughout most of the world. HIV-2 is found primarily in Western Africa and is much less common.

Option D: The number of CD4 cells within the affected individual will fall by approximately 50-80 cells/uL per year without the initiation of ART, and the decline may be even faster once the count falls below 200 cells/uL.

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