Which laboratory tests are the most accepted indicators of HIV infection progression?

The most accepted indicators of HIV infection progression are the CD4 count and viral load. The CD4 count measures the number of CD4 T lymphocytes in the blood, which are critical for a healthy immune response. In individuals with HIV, a decreasing CD4 count indicates that the immune system is being compromised by the virus, signaling disease progression.

Viral load refers to the amount of HIV RNA in the blood. A higher viral load indicates more active viral replication, which also correlates with disease progression and increased risk of transmission. Monitoring both CD4 count and viral load provides clinicians with crucial information regarding the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the overall status of an individual's immune system in relation to HIV.

Other options involve tests that serve different purposes. For instance, the Western blot test is primarily used to confirm HIV diagnosis rather than to monitor disease progression. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is used for initial screening of HIV but does not provide information on the current state of the infection in terms of immune function and viral activity. White blood cell (WBC) count can be affected by numerous factors and is not as specific or reliable as the CD4 count or viral load in gauging HIV progression.