HIV set point
HIV Set Point
HIV set point (pronunciation: /ˌeɪtʃ.aɪ.ˈviː sɛt pɔɪnt/) is a term used in HIV research to describe the balance reached in the immune system after initial infection with the virus.
Etymology
The term "set point" is derived from the concept of homeostasis in biology, where it refers to the stable state that a system returns to after a disturbance. In the context of HIV, the "set point" is the stable level of virus in the body after the initial peak and subsequent decline following infection.
Definition
The HIV set point is the viral load, or the amount of HIV in the blood, after the initial acute phase of infection. This set point is reached when the body's immune response has partially controlled the initial high levels of virus, but before the onset of AIDS. The level of the set point can vary greatly between individuals and is thought to be a predictor of disease progression.
Related Terms
- Viral Load: The amount of virus in a person's blood. It is used as a measure of the severity of a viral infection and the likelihood of transmission.
- Acute HIV Infection: The first stage of HIV infection, during which the amount of virus in the body is very high and the person is very infectious.
- AIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
- Immune System: The body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. It is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on HIV set point
- Wikipedia's article - HIV set point
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