CD4 and infection: In the absence of CD4 + T-cells the integrity of the gut cannot be ensured, and eventually leads to intestinal cell apoptosis and the progressive degradation of the tight junctions which seal the gaps between epithelial cell surfaces, both these processes contributing to the onset of leaky gut syndrome.170 In this context, HIV accelerates and exacerbates establishment of C. albicans infection, which may then easily disseminate and initiate blood stream infections.