Q and A

Question

Can other infection lower my CD4 count?

Please can you answer my question, can there be other infection or virus that can cause the drop in my CD4 count to 320 beside from HIV? I really needs to know.

Answer

If you have any form infection from either a virus, bacteria, fungal or parasite (from common cold to other opportunistic illness) then it mean that your immune system has been compromise and there will be a drop in your CD4 count. The level to which it drops also depends on how long you had the infection and how strong your immune system.

When someone is newly diagnosed with HIV, their viral load will goes up and their CD4 count will drop.  Your CD4 will increase after starting treatment, your immune system is often able to deal with these infections by itself again.  The normal range of CD4 count for someone who is HIV negative can be anywhere form 400 to 1600 and 2-3% of people are naturally higher or lower than this.  This is the reason why you need to have an antibody test, and not just viral load.

32 comments

  1. Lisa Thorley

    Hi T and T,

    It’s great to hear that you’re feeling better.
    For me to be able to help you I’m going to need to ask you some questions. When you were diagnosed, what was your CD4 count and viral load?

  2. T and T

    When i visited the doctor i was very ill coughing non stop . They tested m and say im positive, they gave me medicine and i took it each and every day well i did recover.
    And feeling very much ok infact im superb now but what surprises m is my cd4 is 45 and my viral load is 109 its now almost 9months im on medication
    Im confused plz help

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