Brief Answer:
CD4 cell count may vary

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.This is Dr Matin , answering your question.
Transient unexplained decreases may be occur in healthy persons .
There could be factors including the diurnal variation , some inter-current illnesses, and corticosteroids .Some Opprtunistic infections like cryptococcal , zoster , molluscum and histoplasmosis infections in a non-HIV person may cause a drop in CD4 cell count.
CD4 cell count could be lowest levels at 12.30 PM and peak values at 8.30 PM.
These variations do not clearly correspond to the circadian rhythm of corticosteroids . Modest decreases in the CD4 Cell count have been noted with some acute illnesses with major surgery . Corticosteroids administration may have a profound effect with decreases from 900 cells/mm3 to <300 cells/mm3 during acute administration, chronic administration has a less profound effect.
Interferon treatment causes severe decreases . Medical conditions associated with low CD4 cells counts include Sjogren's syndrome, sarcoidosis , radiation , atopic dermatitis , collagen-vascular diseases , lymphoma , stem cell transplant recipients,and idiopathic CD 4 lymphocytopenia .
Acute changes may be due to a redistribution of leucocytes (white blood cells) between the peripheral circulation and the marrow , spleen, and lymph nodes
Your CD4 cell count is still within a normal range and the best thing is that you are HIV negative .
You will need a follow up to see if there is further slope in CD4 cells
(to < 300 cells /mm3 ,found in Idiipathic CD4lymphocytopenia)
Idiopathic ' means 'due to unknown ' reason .
So my advise ,just see an Internal Medicine specialist to work up more to find , the cause of such a situation.
Hope this helps.
Regards
http://bit.ly/askdrmatinahmedkhan

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Brief Answer:
Your CD 8 is still within normal range

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question.
The normal range for CD8 is 150-1000 cells/mm3 and your CD8 cell is still within normal range. In XXXXXXX set ups it has been seen to the tune of even 1200 cells/mm3
It is the relative low count of CD4 cells which makes you think like that your CD8 is rising.
I guess you have to go for follow up for CD4 , CD8 and CD4/CD8 ratio after 3 months and then will be wise thing to comment .
Hope this helps
Regards

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Brief Answer:
Yes, you may go for a HIV test

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your response.
As you have stated that you are HIV negative and I go by its face value.
You talked about your last exposure 5 months ago and I assume that you have undergone some HIV test already , on the basis of which you say yourself HIV negative.
As there is not much information about exposure , I guess you can go for a HIV test just to buy peace of mind .
Hope it helps.
Regards

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Brief Answer:
Then no need of further HIV tests

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your response.
You don't need any further HIV testing .
Generally 4th generation tests pick up 95% of positive cases after one month of exposure and
99.7 % after 90 days of exposure. Hence 3 months is the window period .
Now just you have to follow up about your CD numbers (4 & 8) at the interval of 3 months.
Hope it helps.
Regards

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Brief Answer:
No effect

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your response.
These anti -thyroid antibodies have no bearing upon your HIV report .
Hope it helps.

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Brief Answer:
No more HIV tests

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your response.
You don't need further HIV tests.
For me you are HIV negative for sure.
No worries there, should you still find stressed, then you will have to consult see a counselor/psychotherapist.

May be you can join a gym, start volley ball/basketball/football.

Talk to your parents, your friends.
Read some motivational books , these could be few suggestions.

Hope it helps .
Regards
http://bit.ly/askdrmatinahmedkhan

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