In what scenario would a patient be classified as having AIDS according to the CDC?

A patient is classified as having AIDS according to the CDC guidelines if they have a CD4 count of less than 200 cells per microliter (μL) or if their CD4 count is less than 14% of the total lymphocyte count, regardless of whether they have any AIDS-defining illnesses. This classification indicates a severe level of immunosuppression, which significantly increases the risk of opportunistic infections and other complications associated with HIV.

In scenario C, the specification of a CD4 count under 200/μL serves as a clear diagnostic criterion for AIDS. It is critical to understand that this threshold aligns with the established definitions for monitoring the progression of HIV infection and guiding treatment decisions. The presence of opportunistic infections is indeed a hallmark of AIDS, but what primarily identifies the progression to this stage is the low CD4 count. Therefore, while option B indicates a critical aspect of AIDS, it does not directly pertain to the classification criteria as outlined by the CDC.

When considering other options, a CD4 count of less than 400/μL indicated in option A may show a decline in immune function but does not meet the specific threshold for an AIDS classification. Lastly, the requirement of two consecutive positive Western blot results