The normal range for CD8 is 150-1000 cells\/mm3.<\/p>\n
CD8 counts tend to increase after HIV infection but also reduce after starting treatment.<\/p>\n
CD4 and CD8 cells are used by the immune system to attack and break down an infection.\u00a0 CD8 cells are called the ‘killer cells’ and they recognise and kill cells that are infected with a virus.\u00a0 Sometimes these process and function overlap and is also known as cellular immunity. CD4 cells are called the ‘helper cells’ because they help the immune response by sending signals to CD8 cells.<\/p>\n
With HIV, the CD4 count is used to track the progression of HIV infection and disease.\u00a0 The CD4 cells count may be compared to the CD8 cell count, and the result is expressed as a ratio (CD4:CD8). However the absolute CD4 T-cell count is the most important value.<\/p>\n
The normal range of CD4 count for a HIV negative person is between 400 – 1600 cells\/mm3.\u00a0 Your CD4 count will drop a few weeks after infection with HIV.\u00a0 Then as the body immune system begins to fight back, it will slowly go up again.\u00a0 It usually takes about 3 – 6 months after the infection stabilised, but for some people it can take longer.\u00a0 If you are newly diagnosed then you would need your CD4 test done every 3 months.<\/p>\n