Viral load

Definition

Viral load is the measurement of the amount of HIV virus present in a patient's blood. It is a critical indicator of how effectively antiretroviral therapy (ART) is controlling the infection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Viral load testing helps monitor the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy.
2. A high viral load indicates active replication and progression of HIV.
3. The goal of ART is to reduce viral load to undetectable levels.
4. Regular viral load tests are necessary for adjusting treatment plans.
5. A decrease in viral load typically corresponds with an increase in CD4 cell count.

Review Questions

• What does a high viral load indicate about an HIV patient's condition?
• How does antiretroviral therapy affect viral load?
• Why are regular viral load tests important for patients undergoing ART?

Related terms

CD4 Cell Count: A measure of immune system health, indicating the number of CD4 T-cells in the blood.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Treatment regimen used to manage HIV infection by reducing viral load.

HIV Resistance: When HIV no longer responds to certain antiretroviral drugs due to genetic mutations.