Q and A

Question

Can CD4’s fluctuate?

Hello, I am newly diagnosed March this year, My Base CD4 is 255. I\'m on Combo ARV which is Efavirence Lamivudine Tenofovir. Got my blood work this week and it seems like my CD4 drops to 220 in 6 months. Question is, is it common to get fluctuation on your cd4 regardless if your taking your medication on time? No miss dose? My doctor initiate Viral Load test to make sure my med are working. Thank you!

Answer

Thanks for getting in touch.

The simple answer is yes, as the following link explains: https://i-base.info/qa/115

As long as your viral load is doing OK, then the drop/fluctuation won’t be an issue. Your doctor wanting to test your viral load is good practice.

2 comments

  1. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Tshegofatso,

    What does your doctor say about this? Could it be that you are an elite controller?

    An elite controller (EC) is an HIV positive person whose immune system keeps viral load undetectable for more than five years without HIV treatment (ART).

    However, elite controllers also have a very good CD4 count (always above 500 cells/mm3) that stays at a similar level over many years. Please see this link for more info. Unfortunatley your CD4 count is below 500 cells.

    It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about your results and check that they are correct.

  2. Tshegofatso

    Was diagonised with HIV March 2019 . my C count was 265 , My Viral Load was UNDETECTED. How Come.

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