What indicates that a person has progressed from HIV to AIDS?

A super low CD4 cell count is a critical indicator that a person has progressed from HIV to AIDS. HIV primarily targets and destroys CD4 cells, which are essential for a healthy immune response. When the CD4 count drops below a certain threshold, typically below 200 cells per microliter of blood, it signifies a significant deterioration in the immune system's ability to fight infections and diseases, which is a defining characteristic of AIDS.

This progression reflects how the body is struggling to maintain immune function due to the effects of the virus. Lower CD4 counts correspond with increased vulnerability to opportunistic infections and certain cancers, which are hallmarks of AIDS. Therefore, monitoring CD4 cell counts is essential in assessing the stage of HIV infection and determining appropriate treatment strategies.