<prompt> For initiation of HAART, following is generally evaluatedCD4 countviral loadabsolute lymphocyte countAll of the above  <response>: D All of the above The indication for antiretroviral therapy is based on the clinical assessment, CD4 T-cell count, and viral load. These three important factors determine whether therapy should be started or if it can still be deferred, starting therapy in asymptomatic patients Below 200 CD4 T-cellspl treatment should be started as soon as possible. As soon as possible does not mean immediately: one should still take the time to get acquainted with the patient, give proper counseling, start prophylaxis in advance, and undergo diagnostic procedures fundoscopy - its not usually a question of having to start within a few days! Above 200 CD4 T-cellspl, there is even more time - the individual course of the CD4 T-cell count is important. Beware the percentage values! A decrease of more than 80-100 CD4 T-cellspl per year is too much! Dont delay too long in such patients! Because of considerable variability a single CD4 T-cell count especially when in the range of 200-350pl should be repeated before starting therapy. Above 350 CD4 T-cellspl: wait, but continue to monitor at least every three months. The higher the viral load, the more frequent checks ofCD4 T-cell counts are necessary: 100,000 copiesml, testing should be performed at least every two months. Initiation of treatment may be justified at levels above 350 CD4 T-cellspl - if viral load is very high, CD4 T-cell count is decreasing rapidly or the patient requests it after careful counseling. A 25 year-old patient with 100 CD4 T-cellspl and a viral load of 100,000 copiesml has a risk of approximately 10 for developing AIDS within six months - for a 55 year-old, this level of risk is reached at 150 CD4 T-cellspl and a viral load of 30,000 copies ml 