Question
Why is my viral load undetectable without treatment?
11 March 2014. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
Hello I tested positive twice and both times my viral load is undetectable before starting any ARVs.
Is that possible? And what does that mean?
Thank you
Answer
Hi,
Thanks for your email. It is very unusual to have an undetectable viral load without treatment, but a very small proportion of HIV positive people, known as elite controllers, have undetectable viral loads less than 50 copies/mL for years without treatment. This is very rare and only about 1-in-300 HIV positive people are elite controllers.
It is important to continue to have your viral load monitored, and also to check your CD4 count. The CD4 count measures how strong your immune system is- have you had this test done?
If your CD4 count is high, and your viral load remains undetectable it is unlikely you will need to take ARVs at this time, but it is important to keep being monitored for any changes.
Hi Xyz, for information about transmission please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
I had sex with a sex worker very short period less then 30 sec with out safety, after that 2 hours i started pep , after 10 days she tested tri dot test get negative, sex worker said with out protection i cant doing the intercourse your first person doing sex with out condom , what is my situation right now
Hi Ayor, yes this is possible but it is rare. Have you had a CD4 test done? and have you had your HIV test confirmed? When were you diagnosed?
In very few people it is possible that their body naturally suppresses HIV. This is called a long-term non-progressor when their CD4 count is maintained within a healthy range: https://i-base.info/long-term-non-progressor-ltnp
Hi my name is rubby my viral load is about 20 and I haven’t taken this hiv medication before. Is it possible like that?
Hi Unknown, as long as the viral load is below 200 there is no risk of transmission. Are you on treatment? As treatment guarantees that viral load will not increase U=U cannot apply for an EC without treatment, though if remaining below 200 there is no risk.
Can a elite controller transmit hiv to his or her partner?
Hi Ali, did you have this test in 2018 confirmed? and have you ever taken treatment?