Forum on Understanding Your Labs: CD4 and VL

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		CD4 and VL Oct 16, 2003 Dear Dr. Holodniy: Very nice site you guys have. My question is regarding my numbers. I got infected last Dec, had an acute phase of HIV been hospitalized in Jan 2003. My numbers were: Jan - HIV neg Elisa Feb - HIV indeterminate Mar - HIV + April CD4 900/CD8 950 VL undetectable 05/20 CD4 794/ CD8 1433 CD4 28 vl 216 05/27 CD4 1005/ CD8 2141 CD4 25 vl 57 6/17 CD4 775/ CD8 1528 CD4 28 VL <50 07/22 CD4 912 CD8 1438 CD4 31 VL 200 08/14 CD4 789 CD8 1268 CD4 29 9/19 CD4 708 CD4 32 VL <50 I havent been on any medication, just multivitamins. Why does the CD4 bouces from 700 range to 900 then back to 700? My Dr. says my numbers are really good for the first year of been HIV+. Could you explain me the bouces on CD4 and CD8 and VL? Can I become one of those long term nonprogressor? Thank you so much CS


Advertisement> Response from Dr. Holodniy Time can only determine long term nonprogression. Your early numbers indicate your immune system is still relatively intact and working effectively against the virus. Treatment would not be recommended for you at this time. T cell numbers will fluctuate for a variety of reasons including time of day, stress, recreational drug use, ongoing infections, immunizations, different assays, among other reasons. The CD4 percent is a more stable number over time. Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions!

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