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Ask the Experts about Women and HIV

 

Daughter HIV positive
Sep 21, 2005

Hi

Our daughter (6 years) was found to HIV positive in June 2005. Her CD4 was 920 (20.1%) and VL 1500. A second test performed in August showed that her cd4 has increased to 961(22.2%)and the VL up to 3000. Why is CD4 rising together with the VL because the child is not even on meds yet? Please note she was tested using the Elisa only. Is that enough? Please clarify for us.

Response from Dr. Sullivan

Your daughter has a very good CD4 count and the difference between 920 and 961 is not significant; her viral loads of 1500 and 3000 are also on the low side and while the change from 1500 to 3000 seems to be high this kind of fluctuation is commonly seen [ even in patients compliant with antiretroviral therapy]; the presence of HIV RNA[ VL 3000] at 3000 copies per ml of blood is definitive proof of HIV infection; JLS.



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