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Avatar universal

CD4 counts?

Hi all,

Had a risky encounter and experienced bad ars symtpoms from 2-5 weeks after event.
Went my doctor 8 weeks after, He gave me HIV1/2 ab, and HIV-1 DNA PCR, both negative. Concerned over my persisting very swollen lymph nodes he sent me to and infectious disease Doc. ID doc said swelling in my neck is worrisome so hes giving me PCR-RNA/ HIV-1/2 AB, and CD4 TEST.  ID doc said if infected CD4 will initially be very low as viral load high. Im now about 11-12 weeks past encounter and will take test in 2 days.  My question is how long  does CD4 count typically stay suppressed after infection. Whats a low CD4 count? If its low and other tests are negative could that point to possible infection that just hasnt been picked up on other tests yet?
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Avatar universal
So for arguments sake.  If the CD4 count comes back low, and MY PCR/ELISA come back negative.  It could possibly point to some type of infection like a HIV Group N infection or some other infectious disease?
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Avatar universal
Thanks for the explanation on CD4 counts. As far as the ID doc I'm just going on the advice of my GP.  
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Avatar universal
It's not the CD4 that drops quick it's the increase of the viral load if one is infected. For most people when the CD4 drops due to HIV infection the normal way it increases is by taking medication. It can take several months for ones CD4 and VL to stabilize. What I don't understand is how you got into an ID doctor when you have not tested positive for HIV and have an 8-week negative test, unless you have some other Infectious Disease.
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Avatar universal
These tests were order by my GP, and the others are being performed by the ID Doc in New York I was refered to by my GP. Both tests are accompanied by elisa.  They both feel my huge lymph nodes in neck/ fevers and other symtpoms are worrisome enough to perform these tests.  My question was actually about the CD4 count though?
If someone is infected HIV, how long does CD4 count usually remain low? Whats  low? Below 500?
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Avatar universal
PCR DNA tests are NOT approved to diagnose HIV. PCR DNA test are approved to use on people that are HIV positive to monitor their HIV progression.
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Avatar universal
My risk= uprotected vaginal/oral with csw. Last PCR was DNA, this PCR is RNA.  So a skewed CD4 will point to infection, but not necessarily HIV?  
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Avatar universal
If your swollen nodes are due to an (non-HIV) infectious process, then that could affect your CD4 count anyway, so it wouldn't tell you anything.

As to why he's ordering a different PCR test when you've already had one I'm not sure. One's not more reliable than the other as far as I'm aware.

As Vance says, you don't state your risk. That would help.
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Avatar universal
Let me ask what was your encounter?
And the negative test at 8 weeks is a very good sign. You could take another HIV test now and be just about conclusive.
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