What does viral load measure in an individual with HIV?

Viral load specifically measures the quantity of HIV viral particles present in the bloodstream of an individual living with HIV. This measurement is crucial as it provides insight into how actively the virus is replicating. A higher viral load indicates a greater amount of HIV in the blood, which can correlate with the progression of the disease and helps guide treatment decisions. Monitoring viral load allows healthcare providers to assess how well antiretroviral therapy is working; ideally, effective treatment should lead to a low or undetectable viral load, suggesting that the virus is being effectively suppressed. This assessment of viral particles is distinct from measuring the immune response or the presence of antibodies, which are related to how the body reacts to the infection, rather than the amount of virus present.