HIV is a virus that causes damage to the immune system by destroying the white blood cells in the body. First identified in the year 1981, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) interferes with the body’s ability to fight against disease-causing microorganisms. It destroys CD4 cells (a type of T-helper cells that move around the body & detect anomalies & infections), makes copies of itself and weakens an individual’s immune system.
When CD4 counts drop below 200 it is an indication of serious immune damage and a person is diagnosed with AIDS. The normal range for CD4 cells is about 500-1500.
