Question
Should I worry with viral load results of 94 and 114?
29 December 2011. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Resistance.
Hello, I am quite worried about my result…my CD4 count is 750 and has been so for years…My viral load was undetectable until recent my doctor called me to say its 94…I went to take another blood test and my viral load was 114… I am so worried about my result… I am currently on Truvada and Kaletra (been taken them for more than 4years with no problem…I was wondering if I am getting resistant to the drugs and if so, what does the higher dosage look like? I am so sacred!
Answer
Hi
It is very unusual for viral load to rebound once it has been undetectable for several years. This assumes that you are still taking your meds and not missing doses. Resistance doesn’t usually develop in these circumstances. It also assumes that you have not started any new drugs recently that could interact with your HIV meds.
Without knowing the timing of each of these tests (were they both close together?) I can only talk in general. However, because viral load tests are not always so sensitive at low levels, your doctor would probably interpret both these results to be the same.
Rather than worry, have another viral load and then discuss the new results with your doctor. About half of viral blips (where viral load is detectable but less than 200) are just lab errors. There is a good chance that your next result will be undetectable again without having to make any change in your combination.
A more detailed training about drug resistance is at this link:
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