One of the terrible diseases of our time is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Unfortunately, every year the number of infected people increases. Previously, HIV was thought to be prevalent among drug addicts and homosexuals. Currently, the disease occurs in people from various walks of life. Including among newborns. The final stage of the pathology is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). In order not to bring the disease to a severe degree, it is necessary to constantly monitor patients and adjust treatment. For this purpose, an analysis such as viral load is carried out. It allows you to assess the stage of the disease. In addition, this test is performed in order to determine further treatment tactics.
Why do viral load?
As you know, viruses are composed of DNA or RNA molecules. Nucleic acids make up genetic material. Viral load is an analysis that is performed to determine the amount of pathogen RNA in the blood. This study can be performed in various pathological conditions. Among them are HIV, hepatitis B and C, herpetic, cytomegalovirus infection, etc. Thanks to this analysis, not only the amount of genetic material in the blood is determined, but also the stage of the disease. That is, viral load is a measure of the severity of the pathology. The calculation is carried out by calculating copies of RNA in 1 ml of blood plasma. It is possible to determine the viral load only in special laboratories. There are several methods for performing this study. The most common is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thanks to the analysis, it is possible to identify how quickly the pathological process progresses. With it, the dosage of drugs is selected, and the prognosis of the disease is also determined.
Determination of the immune status of HIV
HIV viral load helps to examine the patient’s immune status. In patients, this indicator is reduced. Thanks to the determination of the immune status, one can judge the state of the body's defenses. This indicator includes a combination of quantitative and qualitative characteristics. To determine the immune status of a person, several successive steps are carried out. Among them:
- Collection of complaints and medical history. The incidence rate of infectious pathologies (ARVI, herpes, fungal infections), the reaction to vaccinations, and drugs are found out.
- Determination of the number of immune cells in the blood. These include white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes.
- Performing special laboratory tests. Among them is a viral load test.
Next is the immunological stage. It includes the determination of the content of T and B lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, receptors of immune cells. In HIV, blood CD4 concentration is of particular importance. These are receptors of protective cells - T-helpers. They are affected by the immunodeficiency virus. After carrying out all the steps, an analysis of the information is performed. Thus, the doctor makes a conclusion about the immune status.
HIV viral load: indicators. Norm and pathology
With HIV infection, pronounced changes are observed in the immune status. A study on viral load allows you to determine whether a person is infected or not. Normally, the genetic material of the pathogen (RNA) in the body should not be. That is, in a healthy person, the number of viral particles is zero. In some cases, this indicator can be slightly increased. For example, if a person has congenital immune pathologies, severe diseases of the kidneys or endocrine glands. Nevertheless, the viral load for HIV differs from these indicators observed with other ailments. In the case of immunodeficiency syndrome, it will be significantly higher. How to determine the stage of the disease using this study? What is the viral load for HIV? The norm is less than 20 thousand copies in 1 ml of blood. If the obtained value is higher, this means that it is necessary to change the treatment regimen. The viral load indicator of more than 500 thousand copies of HIV in 1 ml of blood serum indicates an advanced stage of the disease (AIDS).
Thanks to this research method, the doctor judges how the pathology develops. With the introduction of a viral load test, scientists have proven that a disease such as HIV infection does not stand still. The appointment of antiretroviral (ART) therapy can reduce the replication of RNA pathogen. Studies such as immune status and viral load are crucial not only in treatment, but also for disease prognosis. If the number of copies of HIV in 1 ml of blood exceeds 100 thousand, this indicates a terminal stage of the pathology. The introduction of this analysis made it possible to control the human immunodeficiency virus. It is carried out not only for patients, but also for children born from infected mothers, as well as healthy people with suspected possible infection.
Viral load: normal for hepatitis C
Another common and dangerous pathology is hepatitis C. This disease is called the “slow killer”, as it affects the body for many years. For a long time, hepatitis C does not appear in any way. Therefore, often a person does not even suspect that he is infected with this terrible virus. The causative agent enters the body parenterally, that is, through the blood. In most cases, this occurs during medical procedures (dental, gynecological, cosmetic procedures). Pathology is also found in people who inject drugs.
Hepatitis C viral load is indicated in all patients. As in the case of HIV infection, it helps to determine the amount of genetic material of the pathogen in the blood. Normally, copies of the virus should be absent. A test in sick people allows you to identify how dangerous a person is for others, as well as evaluate the results of treatment. If pathology is detected at an early stage, recovery is possible. To verify the effectiveness of therapy, a study of viral load is performed. A similar study is carried out in the detection of HCV antigens.
Deciphering the analysis of viral load in hepatitis C
Hepatitis C viral load is measured in IU / ml. The low content of the pathogen in the body indicates the adequacy of treatment and a good prognosis. In this case, the indicator will be in the range from 600 to 3 * 10 4 units in 1 ml of blood serum. If it exceeds this value, then the treatment regimen should be changed. When increasing copies of RNA to 8 * 10 4 IU / ml, the result is evaluated as average viremia. In the case when this indicator is higher, a diagnosis of severe hepatitis C is made. In this case, there is a lesion of the internal organs, manifested clinically. This stage of the disease is terminal.
How often is a viral load test necessary?
A viral load test is performed when antibodies to hepatitis C virus or HIV are detected. In addition, the analysis is performed by all patients who are on the dispensary account with these pathologies. The timing of the viral load depends on the condition of the patient. The analysis is performed once a year with stabilization of well-being. If the patient takes antiviral drugs, then an evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment should be carried out every 3 months. Also, the analysis is performed when the general condition of the patient worsens.
Viral load test methods
Viral load is carried out in 3 ways. Most often, the PCR method is performed. It allows you to identify antibodies to the virus. Branched DNA method is also performed. This test is less sensitive. It is carried out as a screening, as well as to confirm the diagnosis (but not to correct treatment). Another accurate and affordable way to detect the RNA of the pathogen is the method of transcriptional amplification.
Viral load errors
Despite the fact that all methods for determining the viral load are quite effective, the wrong result is possible. Errors in the analysis are observed with improper blood sampling, its contamination, as well as violation of storage conditions. A false negative result may be in the first months after infection with the virus. Therefore, if infection is suspected, the study must be repeated after six months.
Where can I get an analysis to determine the viral load?
A study on viral load is carried out in special laboratories where the necessary equipment is available. AIDS centers, as well as some private diagnostic centers, are equipped with PCR devices.