Which condition is a well-established risk factor for immunocompromise?

• A. Pregnancy
• B. Diabetes mellitus
• C. HIV infection
• D. Hypertension

Answer: (C)

Immunocompromise means a reduced ability to mount an effective immune response. HIV infection is a well-established risk factor because it directly targets CD4+ T helper cells, the central coordinators of the adaptive immune system. As HIV progresses and CD4 counts fall, cell-mediated immunity becomes severely weakened, making lasting infections and certain cancers more likely. This leads to the classic picture of opportunistic infections (like Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, cryptococcal meningitis, CMV) and AIDS-defining illnesses.

Pregnancy involves immune modulation to tolerate the fetus but does not cause systemic immunodeficiency. Diabetes mellitus increases infection risk through factors like impaired neutrophil function and poor wound healing, but it’s not a primary immunodeficiency. Hypertension has no direct effect on immune function.