My CD4/CD8 ratio is 1.06. Does it indicate a HIV infection?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern. A negative fourth generation test and HIV RNA (Ribonucleic acid) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) at four months provide highly conclusive evidence that you are HIV negative. Diarrhea and joint pains can have various causes, not necessarily related to HIV. In fact, there are no specific signs and symptoms exclusive to HIV that confirm its diagnosis. I suggest you consult a specialist, talk with them regarding your diarrhea and joint pains. Further specific tests may be required to identify the underlying causes. For reference, a normal healthy individual typically has a CD4 (Cluster of Differentiation) count between 500 to 1500. Your CD4 count of 937 falls within the normal range. The CD4 and CD8 ratio reflects the health of the immune system, with the normal ratio ranging between one to four. Your ratio of 1.06 is perfectly fine. During the first six months of HIV infection, the CD8 count may increase up to 40 to 50 %, leading to a ratio of less than one. Additionally, the CD4 and CD8 ratio can be influenced by factors such as seasonal and diurnal variations, coexisting viral infections, tuberculosis, autoimmune conditions, corticosteroid therapy, immunosuppressive drugs, and other variables. In your case, the CD4, CD8, CD4 and CD8 panel results are normal. An increase in white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils is commonly observed in bacterial infections. And 95 % of people infected with HIV develop antibodies within two to eight weeks, with up to 5 % seroconverting by the third month. Rare cases of late seroconversion at six months have also been reported in the literature. As a precautionary measure, I suggest you repeat the HIV antibody test at six months following an unprotected exposure, especially if any doubts persist regarding the exposure. I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern. Your HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) test is negative. Cluster of Differentiation (CD4 and CD8) is done in HIV, to monitor the response of therapy. But, it is not used to diagnose HIV infection. CD4 and CD8 can be altered in so many other conditions, specifically autoimmune conditions and also altered slightly in other infections too. I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.