What blood value changes indicate the asymptomatic stage of HIV is ending?

The asymptomatic stage of HIV, often referred to as the clinical latency stage, is characterized by the virus being active in the body but typically not causing symptoms. As this stage progresses toward AIDS, certain changes in blood values become evident, specifically in CD4 T-cell counts and viral load.

An increased viral load along with a decreased CD4 count indicates that the immune system is becoming increasingly compromised. This shift signals that the body is losing its ability to effectively manage the HIV infection, thereby marking the end of the asymptomatic stage. When viral replication is increasing, the virus is gaining more prominence in the bloodstream, leading to a decline in CD4 T-cells, which are crucial for a healthy immune response. This scenario suggests that the disease is advancing, potentially leading to symptomatic manifestations or opportunistic infections.

In contrast, options indicating stable or increased CD4 counts, or decreased viral loads, reflect a better state of immune health and typically represent the maintenance of the asymptomatic stage, where the disease is managed effectively rather than progressing. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the critical point where the condition of the individual transitions from being asymptomatic to more severe, necessitating closer monitoring and intervention.