Question
Are there risks from my CD4 not increasing?
21 March 2024. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Living with HIV long-term, Support.
My CD4 count is 150 after years and undetectable viral load. CD4 count has been increased 100 in 3 years. It is playing within 120 to 150. CD4 count decreasing 10 counts from last 4 tests (1 year) and not going up single point. Taking Biktarvy and Bactrim.
Is there any impact on health with this low CD4 count even on treatment and undetectable ? I had active TB before diagnosed so worried about any future health issues due to my CD4 count not increasing.
Answer
Hi there
Thanks for your question and for sharing your experience.
Even though most people get a steady increase in their CD4 count after starting treatment, some studies report that perhaps 1 in 10 people don’t have this response.
The reasons for this are not clear.
Sometimes it might just be that your CD4 count before HIV was just naturally low, so expecting it to increase is not likely.
Unfortunately, HIV meds don’t directly increase your CD4 count. They generally work to reduce viral load and this then lets your CD4 count steadily become stronger again. This means there are no direct treatments to increase your CD4 count.
Having an undetectable viral load though on treatment is perhaps more important. In this you are doing really well.
It is good to continue to be careful in taking your meds and to continue monitoring, especially because you had TB in the past.
It is also good to be taking the antibiotics (Bactrim) as well as your HIV meds (Biktarvy).
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