In HIV number of helper T-4 cells (CD4) will be less than
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the student's understanding of the immunological effects of HIV infection, specifically the reduction in helper T-4 cells (CD4+ T lymphocytes). HIV targets and depletes CD4+ T cells, leading to immunosuppression.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
HIV infects and destroys CD4+ T cells by integrating its genome into the host cell, leading to cell lysis and death. This results in a decrease in the number of CD4+ T cells, which are essential for coordinating the immune response. The decrease in CD4+ T cells is a hallmark of HIV infection and is used as a measure of disease progression.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incomplete. To provide a correct answer, we need to fill in the number of CD4+ cells that will be less than. However, based on the information provided, we can infer the correct answer.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A normal CD4+ T cell count is typically above 500 cells/μL. A CD4+ T cell count below 200 cells/μL is considered a marker of advanced HIV disease.
**Correct Answer:** D. All options are missing numbers, but a correct statement would be "below 500 cells/μL".