What is a desired outcome of antiretroviral drug therapy for HIV patients?

A desired outcome of antiretroviral drug therapy for HIV patients is the delay in the progression to AIDS. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) works by effectively controlling the viral load, reducing the amount of HIV in the bloodstream to undetectable levels. This allows the immune system to regain strength and helps preserve CD4 T-cell counts, which are crucial for the body’s immune defense.

When ART is adhered to properly, it not only helps maintain a healthy CD4 count but significantly delays the advancement of HIV to AIDS by preventing the virus from replicating and causing damage to the immune system. This is a primary goal of therapy, as delaying the progression to AIDS improves the overall quality of life and longevity for individuals living with HIV.

The other options are undesirable outcomes. A decrease in CD4 count indicates immune system deterioration, an increase in viral load signals ineffective treatment, and necessitating more frequent medication suggests complications or insufficient management of the disease. Thus, the correct answer reflects the therapeutic objective of antiretroviral treatment in HIV care.