Ive been infected for 17 years. My T cells range between 845 and 1,200, viral load, latest, 1610.

My doc says I am progressing slowly, but how can my progression be defined, while my CD4+ remain in the normal range?

Do LTNps exist? Am I one?

In order to be an LTNP, must there be a ND viral load?

-b'ar

Well, you did not share your T4 count over the years - so I don't know if your pattern is that you were 1200 10 years ago, and are now 845. Or if instead you are bouncing around between those values during that time. But I'll assume the latter.

Yes - there are long term slow progressors. And they have had the characteristics you mention - which is a low viral load, and a stable T4 count over time. And yes - the viral load can be detectable - our initial definitions were based on those who had this pattern and who did have some degree of measurable viral replication. It is precisely this observation that has led to much work to see what it is your body is doing to control HIV - and if we can teach that same trick to others. Right now the leading investigations suggest that it is the cellular part of your immune system that is active in its ability to control HIV - and limit the damage it causes.

So - are you a nonprogressor or just a very slow progressor? Well, in some ways we can't answer this yet - since we have only been at this for 15 years. There are a few percent who are - like yourself - showing no measurable evidence of T4 decline despite low level HIV growth. Does that mean it will always be this way - that HIV will always stay controlled without meds, and the T4 count will always be stable? That the T4 count tells us everything we need to know about any other damage that HIV might be causing??

Well, we can't say how long this will last. We are still learning the answer to that one. But yes - you and others have managed to create a succesful stalemate in this battle.

Good luck. CC