T-Lymphocyte Helper/Suppressor Profile

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

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 1997 revised guidelines for performing CD4+ T-cell determinations in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). MMWR. 1997 Jan 10; 46:RR-2.

Giorgi J, Kesson A, Chou CC. Immunodeficiency and infectious diseases. In: Rose N, deMacario E, Fahey J, et al, eds. Manual of Clinical Laboratory Immunology. 4th ed. Washington, DC: ASM Press;1992:chap 25.

Stevens RA, Lempicki RA, Natarajan V, et al. General immunologic evaluation of patients with immunodeficiency virus infection. In: Detrick B, Hamilton RG, Folds JD, et al, eds. Manual of Molecular and Clinical Laboratory Immunology. 7th ed. Washington, DC: ASM Press;2006:chap 95.