HIV and AIDS Forum - Judging progression of HIV with viral load and cd4 tests

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Q: Judging progression of HIV with viral load and cd4 tests

asked by: DoctorQuestion on December 26th, 2008

my viral load as at 21-12-08 was 8940 and cd4 count was 356, should i be started on medication yet as my doctor advises.I don't feel ill at all and he says i probably have had it for over 6years.We never had unprotected sex and my wife tested negative though she will be tested again, she also tested negative when she was pregnant in 2005.We are getting to terms with it but i just wanted to get a second opinion about treatment and what having a viral load of 8940 and cd4 count of means.

thank you in advance.

Replies(1)

Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD

replied on December 29th, 2008

HIV and AIDS Answer A5184

Both viral load and CD4 cell counts are used to monitor the progression of HIV. A viral load test shows the number of HIV copies in a millilitre of blood. The lower the results are, the better. In patients where HIV infection progresses, the results vary between 5.000 and 10.000. The CD4 cell count shows the strength of the immune system. Normal results range from 500 to 1.500 cells per cubic millilitre of blood. It the infection progresses the results show decreased numbers of CD4 cells.

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