Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a natural result of HIV infection. However, with early detection and appropriate medication, it takes years to reach this point. Control and monitoring of the concentration of leukocytes in the blood in HIV infection is an important component of therapeutic treatment. Thus, the progression of HIV is quite possible to prevent, and, accordingly, to increase the patient's life for several decades. White blood cells help the immune system in the fight against microorganisms, viruses, malignant neoplasms. Protect the body of the individual from the penetration of allergens, protozoa and fungi.
Which white blood cells are most affected by HIV?
The immunodeficiency virus, affecting immune cells, interferes with their work, and over time they cease to perform their functions. As a result of these processes, the body cannot fight infections anddies slowly. HIV infects those protective cells on the surface of which there are CD-4 protein receptors. A large number of them are contained in the membrane of T-lymphocytes-helpers. Due to the activation of other lymphocyte cells, they significantly increase the response to the penetration of infectious agents into the body. In addition, CD-4 contains macrophages, monocytes, Langerhans cells and others.
Initially, the presence of the immunodeficiency virus can be suspected by deciphering the results of the CBC (general blood test). At an early stage of HIV, leukocytes are elevated. With progression, neutropenia (decrease in neutrophils) and lymphopenia (decrease in lymphocytes) are observed and, as a result, weakening of the immune system. Of course, a general blood test is not specific. At different stages of the disease, white blood cells can be both above and below acceptable values.
Blood test for viral load for suspected HIV
This is a proven and informative type of diagnostic. Some leukocytes contain the CD-4 protein receptor, and since these cells are the first to be affected by the human immunodeficiency virus, the calculation of CD-4 is important in the diagnosis of HIV. If an individual has the wrong diet, or shortly before the delivery of the biomaterial, he suffered a strong nervous shock, then the results of the tests will be inaccurate. In addition, the final result is also influenced by the time period, i.e., in what half of the day the blood was donated. A reliable, almost one hundred percent result can be obtained only when the biomaterial is delivered in the morning. Acceptable CD-4 values (measured in units) depend on the individual's condition:
- infected with HIV up to 3, 5;
- for a viral or infectious disease 3, 5–5;
- he althy 5-12.
Thus, the higher the value of this indicator, the less likely the patient is to have HIV. To confirm the diagnosis, a KLA is needed to be sure of a low concentration of leukocytes. A viral load test will also detect HIV-RNA components in the blood that are not detected in a he althy individual. Analyzing this indicator, the doctor predicts the further development of the disease.
Will white blood cells increase or decrease with HIV?
Depending on the stage of the disease, the concentration of leukocytes either increases or decreases. First of all, HIV has a damaging effect on the protective cells of the body, including the composition of the blood. Consequently, the aggravation of the disease can be prevented and thereby prolong the individual's life. One of the most famous studies that reflect the composition of blood cells is the KLA. Biomaterial for study is taken from a finger. When deciphering the results, special attention is paid to leukocytes. This is especially true for HIV infection. Blood cells are divided into several groups that perform different tasks:
- Lymphocytes. As soon as the infection enters the bloodstream, these cells are activated to fight it and their number increases. However, such resistance has no effect, and HIV continues to develop. In the absence of therapy forat the initial stage, the number of lymphocytes falls, which is an alarming bell.
- Neutrophils are the defenders of the body against immunodeficiency states and viruses. Their concentration decreases when the pathogen enters the blood, and this condition is characterized as neutropenia.
- Platelets - affect blood clotting. In HIV-infected individuals, this rate is low, which contributes to the formation of sudden bleeding, which is quite difficult to stop, and sometimes impossible.
Regardless of their functions, all leukocytes work together to organize a strong defense of the individual's body, identifying and destroying harmful elements. In addition, the patient has a low hemoglobin level due to a deterioration in the work of red blood cells, which are responsible for delivering oxygen to tissues and organs. As a result, the body's resistance to infections is almost completely absent. If HIV is detected, it is necessary to regularly visit the attending physician and take the biomaterial for the KLA. When studying the results of the study, the doctor first of all studies in the results how many leukocytes. In HIV, it is these cells that first suffer. Monitoring the indicators in dynamics makes it possible to track the development of the disease, prescribe the necessary treatment and extend the life of the infected. Lack of therapy is fraught with death approximately two years after the initial blood poisoning.
Complete blood count for leukocytes
An interesting fact is that when viewed under a microscope, leukocytes are pinkish-purple in color, and they are calledwhite blood cells. The sampling of biomaterial for research is carried out from the finger. Those infected with HIV donate it quarterly. Special preparation before passing the analysis is not required. Doctors recommend adhering to certain conditions, namely taking it in one clinical laboratory in the morning and on an empty stomach in order to obtain reliable results, since the number of leukocytes depends on the time of day and diet. Permissible levels of white cells in children and adults are different, and gender does not matter. In a practically he althy individual, the leukocyte formula (as a percentage of the total number of immune cells) is as follows:
- neutrophils – 55;
- lymphocytes – 35;
- basophils - 0, 5–1, 0 - help other leukocytes recognize foreign agents.
- eosinophils attack allergens – 2, 5;
- monocytes - 5 - absorb foreign elements that have penetrated into the blood.
For diagnosis, it is important not only the deviation from the norm, but the increase and decrease in the total number of leukocytes. In HIV infection, first of all, attention is paid to the level of lymphocytes. The initial stage is characterized by an increased concentration, and the further spread of the infection and, as a result, weakening of the immune system, reduces this indicator. It is important to remember that the UAC does not aim to make an accurate diagnosis, it only shows changes in the composition of the blood, on the basis of which the doctor decides on further actions.
When is a KLA needed for HIV?
The following are situations in which this analysis is required. It can be done at any he althcare facility and is completely free:
- When registering for pregnancy.
- Sudden weight loss (for no reason).
- Non-medical drug use.
- Unprotected sex and frequent partner changes.
- Sex with HIV.
- Permanent he alth problems. When affected by the immunodeficiency virus, immunity decreases, and the individual becomes vulnerable to various diseases.
- Chronic fatigue and weakness.
- In case of surgery or blood transfusion.
The analysis will show changes in blood counts in infected individuals, including a violation of the leukocyte formula.
Changes in complete blood count
With HIV, the level of leukocytes changes and manifests itself:
- lymphocytosis - high level of lymphocytes;
- neutropenia - a decrease in the number of granular leukocytes;
- lymphopenia - low concentration of T-lymphocytes;
- decrease in platelets.
Also revealed:
- high ESR;
- increase in mononuclear cells;
- low hemoglobin.
However, not only with HIV, leukocytes undergo changes. This phenomenon also occurs in other pathological conditions. Therefore, based on the results obtained, specialists prescribe additional types of research.
Low white blood cells
WhenSuch a result requires a thorough examination. Protecting the body from the effects of pathogens is considered the main function of leukocytes. When they are low:
- colds are a frequent companion;
- infectious conditions are observed for a long period and give complications;
- fungi infect the dermis and mucous membranes;
- high risk of contracting TB.
The level of leukocytes is affected by time of day, diet, age. If the number of cells is less than 4 g / l, then this condition is called leukopenia. White blood cells are quite sensitive to various internal and external factors. There are low white blood cells at:
- HIV infections;
- exposure to radiation;
- underdevelopment of the bone marrow;
- changes in the bone marrow associated with age-related changes;
- disorders of an autoimmune nature, in which antibodies to leukocytes and other blood elements are synthesized;
- leucopenia caused by hereditary predisposition;
- immunodeficiency states;
- endocrine diseases;
- destructive consequences of leukemia and bone marrow metastases;
- acute viral conditions;
- renal, hepatic and cardiac failure.
Basically, the deviation from the allowable values occurs as a result of insufficient production of cells or their premature destruction, and since there are several types of leukocytes, the deviations of the leukocyte formula are different. states,in which both lymphocytes and leukocytes are lowered, these are:
- HIV;
- immune system damage;
- hereditary mutations or pathologies;
- autoimmune disorders;
- infectious lesions of the bone marrow.
Thus, when the level of cells changes, additional examination is required. Excess and lack of them negatively affects he alth.
Reasons for a decrease in lymphocytes in the blood
Lymphocytes, which belong to the group of leukocytes, are responsible for cellular immunity in HIV and other conditions of the body, distinguishing between their own and foreign proteins. A low level of lymphocytes, the norm of which depends on age, indicates lymphopenia. In the leukocyte formula, they must correspond to a certain amount. Percentage of deviations from the total number of all elements:
- 20 - in adolescents and adults;
- 50 - in children from five to seven years old;
- 30 - for babies.
A slight decrease in lymphocytes occurs with infections. In this case, the focus is rapidly attacked by immune cells, and lymphopenia is temporary. For a correct diagnosis, it is important to find out as quickly as possible the reason for the decrease in these cells. A low level of leukocytes is detected in HIV, as well as in:
- miliary tuberculosis;
- severe infections;
- aplastic anemia;
- chronic liver disease;
- chemotherapy;
- lupus erythematosus;
- destruction of lymphocytes;
- corticosteroid intoxication;
- lymphosarcoma;
- etc.
Detection of lymphopenia requires immediate treatment of the pathologies that provoked it.
Causes affecting the concentration of leukocytes in immunodeficiency virus
Provocateurs of elevated leukocytes in HIV or, conversely, reduced, are various processes that occur in the body:
- intoxication caused by poisoning with toxic substances;
- malignant neoplasms;
- purulent-inflammatory processes;
- myocardial infarction;
- burn;
- acute stroke;
- leukemia;
- autoimmune conditions;
- hypersplenism syndrome;
- immunodeficiency states other than HIV;
- hypoxia;
- conditions that have a negative impact on immunity;
- parasitic and bacterial infections;
- failure in the functioning of the endocrine system;
- and others.
In addition to HIV, an increase in leukocytes is observed in nervous breakdowns. Reduced or increased content of these cells may be due to overheating or hypothermia. Therefore, it is impossible to diagnose immunodeficiency in an individual by only one elevated indicator. In order to correctly assess the results of the research, it is necessary to find out the anamnesis.
Conclusion
Timely detection of the immunodeficiency virus and taking antiretroviral therapy prevents the activation of the infectious process, and, accordingly, AIDS. Dealing successfully withtasks of early diagnosis is a routine blood test. With the immunodeficiency virus, first of all, the indicators of leukocyte cells responsible for the immune system change. It is no coincidence that leukocytes in the blood with HIV are called a mirror that reflects the course of the pathology. Determining their number is important both for predicting the infectious process and for preventing severe complications.
In addition, the individual has a rather low level of hemoglobin, as a result, the body's resistance is limited and anemia occurs. The detection of HIV cells obliges a person to visit the attending doctor at least four times a year, take tests and undergo the necessary examinations. It is important to remember that regular monitoring of the development of the disease and timely correction of drug treatment prolongs life.
