Question
My viral load is 10,000,000 in seroconversion
Hi,
I have recently been diagnosed with HIV. It is thought I contracted this within a few months ago. The ID doctor seems to think I am seroconverting.
My first lab results shocked me. My CD4 was 267 with a VL over 10 million. I feel healthy with just a slight dry throat and had recededing gums which has eased off. I am 30 years old, 6ft and weigh 11 stone.
My question is why such a high initial VL?
Does this indicate any problems with future CD4/VL i.e being VL being above 100,000 and so needing immediate treatment.
How soon could I expect my levels to level?
Many thanks
6 August 2010 • Related: CD4 and viral load, Newly diagnosed, Starting treatment
Answer
Hi
I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but I hope you are getting the information and support to make this easier.
It is not uncommon for viral load during seroconversion to be over one million and I saw one study in a group of French people tested in seroconversion where on person went up to 40 million copies/mL.
Sometimes the severity of seroconversion symptoms is an indication of how fast HIV might progress. People who have the worst symptoms often start HIV treatment earlier.
As you don;t have symptoms, most doctors would recommend waiting for your immune system to reduce the viral load without treatment. This usually takes about six months, sometimes longer. Over this period your doctor should check your CD4 count and viral load more regularly (usually every month) until you are stable. Over this time your CD4 count should increase as well.
Only if your viral load stays high and CD4 count doesn’t recover, would you look at starting treatment.
Approximately 25% people start within two years, 50% within 2-10 years and 25% people can go longer than 10 years before they start treatment,
Answer: Simon Collins