Question

What does a CD4 count of 26 mean?

28 June 2012. Related: All topics, Newly diagnosed, South Africa, Starting treatment.

I tested HIV positive 3 weeks ago. When I asked the Doctor how is my CD4, all he said reluctantly is 26. He then said I must start therapy as this is very low and he prescribed Trimmune and Purbac.

I am a bit confused as to what does this 26 means. Is it a CD4 percentage or what? How do labs indicate the CD4 count on their reports, in percentages? I could not understand the lab report as it was written in Afrikaans.

Answer

Answer: Angelina Namiba

I am sorry about your recent diagnosis. How are you coping? Has your doctor put you in touch with support groups for people living with HIV? Talking through how you feel with people who understand can be really helpful.

It’s good that you’ve been diagnosed now. You have  been caught just at the right time. This is because a CD4 count of 26 means your immune system is weak. You are very lucky, therefore, that your were diagnosed before you got ill.

I can appreciate your confusion as your doctor wasn’t very helpful in explaining your results.  However, he has  given you good advice about starting treatment.  The WHO (World Health Organisation) treatment guidelines recommend starting with a CD4 count of 350 or below. It’s important, therefore, that you start treatment as advised.

The good news is, once you start treatment, your CD4 count will start to increase. This could take a while as you are starting with a low CD4 count. Don’t worry if this  happens as it is not uncommon. Please follow this link to our guide which explains  how CD4 counts increase once you start treatment.

In response to your second question, CD4 tests measure your immune system. (In addition to CD4 count, CD4% is a second test for measuring your immune system).

Our guide to An introduction to combination therapy  has more information about  CD4 tests. The guide also answers a lot of general questions you may have around treatment.

You may find that you still have some more questions after you read the guide. If you do, then please feel free to contact me on the email below.

Angelina.namiba@i-base.org.uk

In  the meantime, you can also contact TAC (Treatment Action Campaign). TAC are based in South Africa.  They will be able to put in touch with support groups near you. They can also support you around understanding your test results and communicating with your doctor.

Best wishes.