What does a low CD4+/CD8+ ratio and a T4 count of 150/mm3 in an HIV-infected client signify?

A low CD4+/CD8+ ratio, combined with a T4 count of 150/mm3 in an HIV-infected individual, indicates significant immune system compromise. The CD4+ T lymphocytes (also known as T helper cells) play a crucial role in the immune response, and their depletion is a hallmark of HIV infection. A T4 count of 150/mm3 suggests that the client has a substantially lowered level of CD4+ cells, putting them at high risk for opportunistic infections that typically occur when the immune system is severely weakened.

In healthy individuals, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio is normally greater than 1, reflecting a more robust immune response. A low ratio indicates an imbalance, often seen in advanced stages of HIV infection, where CD4+ cells are significantly depleted relative to CD8+ cells (cytotoxic T lymphocytes). This situation signals that the individual’s immune system is not adequately equipped to fend off infections, which is why they are susceptible to opportunistic infections—pathogens that usually do not cause disease in individuals with a fully functioning immune system.

In contrast, a strong immune response would correspond with a higher CD4+ count and a favorable CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Being