Question
Is low VL after starting with over 1,000,000 a blip?
21 April 2022. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Newly diagnosed, Starting treatment.
Hi
I’m on Genvoya every day religiously. 9 month ago I start with 1.000.000 VL and 208 CD4. After 4 month I had VL 55 and CD4 432. And today I m VL 83 and CD4 548. Also my CD8 is 1700.
Can this be a possible sign of the treatment not working?
I read about blips but what make me thinking is that in 9 month I did not get below 50.
Answer
Hi there
Please do not worry about any of your results.
You are doing really well.
At such low levels there is no difference between viral load being 55 and 83. Continue being careful with takinf meds and they will continue to work.
This link explains why starting at a high viral load in early infections sometimes just takes a bit longer.
Viral reservoir can explain persistent low level viraemia with good adherence on ART
https://i-base.info/htb/35801
Hello, I will comment here since this can be helpful to know the process.I Received a new VL today and it is at 38 so thing are better.Thank Mr Collins to make me feel better in thoses weeks while I was waiting
Hi Joseph – thanks – and for the feedback. The study I link to is very important but many people do not know about it, including some doctors.
Thank you very much Mr Collins. Your concept and the link helped me a lot.