Blood work:
Two common tests to use for
monitoring HIV disease

January 2008     View PDF     En español

What do CD4 cell counts mean?

Above 500 CD4 cells

• No unusual conditions are likely. Emphasize good health habits and maintain good health care, including vaccines and nutrition.

200–500 CD4 cells

• Increased risk for shingles (zoster), thrush (oral or esophageal candida), skin infections, bacterial sinus and lung infections, and TB.
• Serious OIs are rare, such as PCP, MAC and CMV.
• Anti-HIV therapy is generally recommended when CD4 cell counts reach the 200–350 range.

50–200 CD4 cells

• Increased risk for PCP and other serious OIs.
• Preventive treatment for PCP is indicated. (Read Project Inform’s publication, PCP Prevention.)
• If counts are below 100, consider preventive treatment for MAC, CMV and invasive fungal infections. (Read Project Inform’s publications, MAC/MAI, CMV, and Systemic Candidiasis.)

Below 50 CD4 cells

• Increased risk for serious OIs, including MAC and CMV.
• Continue preventive medications.