Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.I am a recently diagnosed HIV+ 32 year old african american female who needs to know what it really means to have "great numbers". I have been told that my numbers are CD4 count= 387 but my Viral Load= 1837. What does that mean ? I have never taken any intravenous drugs or had many sex partners (only two) - I contracted HIV from my husband, who contracted through heterosexual activity.
I have always read that below 200 CD4 count means full blown AIDS, is this true ?
Mark H. Katz, M.D.
Regional HIV/AIDS Physician Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente of Southern California
Indeed, fewer than 200 T-cells confers a diagnosis of AIDS. Your T-cells of 387 are somewhat suppressed, but not at all seriously so. Treatment is not even recommended until the count falls below 350 or 300, so you are doing well without medications. The low viral load, less than 2000, with no medications, implies you have a relatively weak strain of the virus and/or that your body is mounting a good immune respone to the virus. Thus, your T-cells, if they were to fall, would do so at a much slower rate than if your viral load were higher.
Just be sure to continue to see your doctor and have your labs followed up every 3-4 months!
Good luck. Remember that people living with HIV today live long and prosperous lives!
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