A nurse is discussing HIV with a newly licensed nurse. Which cell types should the nurse identify as impacted by the virus?

Choice A rationale Eosinophils are granulocytes primarily involved in the defense against parasites and in the mediation of allergic reactions by releasing inflammatory mediators. While their numbers might be affected by the overall immune status, they are not the specific target cells that the HIV virus directly infects and destroys to cause immunodeficiency. Choice B rationale B cells are key components of the humoral immune system, responsible for producing antibodies against specific antigens. While their function is indirectly impaired as HIV compromises the CD4 T-cell helper function, they are not the primary cell type that the HIV virus directly enters and destroys to replicate itself. Choice C rationale Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are critical for phagocytosis and defense against bacterial and fungal infections. They are not the specific cells that HIV targets and infects; their function remains relatively intact, although their numbers may fluctuate secondary to opportunistic infections. Choice D rationale CD4 cells, also known as T_4 or helper T cells, are the primary target and host cell for the HIV virus. The virus utilizes the CD4 receptor to gain entry, replicates within the cell, and ultimately causes cell death, leading to profound immunosuppression and the clinical manifestation of AIDS.