Question

I’m pregnant and positive, should I take Bactrim?

23 October 2012. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Pregnancy.

I’m HIV positive and my CD4 count is 380. I haven’t started treatment.

My question is can I use bactrim as boosters?

And I’m pregnant how can I protect my unborn baby from HIV?

Answer

Answer: Rebecca McDowall

Hi,

Thanks for your email.

In HIV Bactrim (co-trimoxazole) is used to treat a type of pneumonia called PCP. It can also be used to prevent this infection in people with a low CD4 count. Bactrim can’t be used to boost your CD4 count.

To protect your baby from infection you will need to take HIV treatment. This is to reduce your viral load (the amount of virus in your body) before you give birth. For information about HIV and pregnancy please see our pregnancy guide.

Please let me know if you have any questions!