Amount of virus present in a person’s blood; usually measured by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method; measures severity of a viral infection. The result is given in number of virus particles per milliliter of blood. Currently, routine testing is available for HIV-1, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus. Determination of viral load is part of the therapy monitoring during chronic viral infections and in immunocompromised patients (e.g., after bone marrow or solid organ transplantation).
Plasma measurement of viral RNA, usually done in serial fashion with human immunodeficiency disorder.
A measure of the total body burden of viral particles present in human blood; the greater the number, usually, the sicker the patient. Testing for viral loads has aided the treatment of several illnesses, including AIDS and hepatitis C. In these illnesses, antiviral therapies are initiated at certain levels of viral load and continued if anticipated reductions in viremic burden are achieved.
The quantification of viral particles within a volume of one milliliter of blood serves as a pivotal metric to assess the intensity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and various other viral afflictions. This quantitative measure plays a crucial role in determining the gravity of viral infections by evaluating the abundance of viral copies present in the given sample. By quantifying the viral load, healthcare professionals gain valuable insights into the progression and severity of the viral infection under scrutiny. Consequently, this assessment aids in formulating effective treatment strategies and monitoring the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.