Question

Is a CD4 count under 200 AIDS? – my father was just diagnosed

4 July 2016. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Newly diagnosed, Support.

My father has been detected with HIV positive. His age is 55 and his cd4 count is 171. My question is, does he have AIDS also? I read it somewhere that if CD4 count is less than 200 then its a third stage, that is AIDS. And what best we can do to increase his CD4 count?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi

Thanks for your question. Although the diagnosis migh seem difficult, it is much better that your father is now diagnosed. This is so he can access care and treatment.

How is your father doing?

With a CD4 count under 200, it is definitely good for him to start HIV treatment – also called ART.

Actually, ART is recommended for everyone now, even at higher CD4 counts.

Your question about AIDS is much less important now. The decision to define AIDS with a CD4 count less that 200 is historical – from when there were no effective treatment. It was used to predict the risk of serious infections. It was also used to enable people to access support services including social benefits and housing etc.

Now there is effective treatment, your father should see his CD4 count quickly increase back over 200. It should then steadily increase over the next year or two until it gets over 300 or even higher.