Traditionally, therapy is administered based on a patient’s CD4 cell count, where the number of CD4 cells reflects the body’s immune (defense) system. An HIV-infected individual with a CD4 cell count of 500 cells/ µL is considered healthy enough not to need ART. When a patient’s cell count reaches 200 cells/ µL, however, the immune system is severely weakened and ART is necessary. A patient with advanced symptoms receives treatment regardless of CD4 count.
Read the full Cochrane report here.
