Cd 4 Cd 8 Ratios

Question

I’ve been reading a lot about the correlation between cd4 and cd8 ratio as an indicator of disease. Right now I have a low cd4 cd8 ratio. Some doctors don’t seem to care about the ratio while others say it can determine inflammation and possible other disease manifestations .my ratio might be low due to the fact my blood work was done before I became undectable. In December I get my next blood test I’m hoping to see an improvement on the cd4 cd8 ratio now that I’m on biktarvy and have an undetectable level and over 500 cd 4 count. Any answers to this question is appreciated thanks

A myHIVteam Member · Accepted Answer

@A myHIVteam Member.  HIV kills our cd4 cells.  It's one thing if it's caught early enough where everything rebounds. Sometimes it's a different story if there's more immune damage.  My dr. told me my numbers may never be 100% normal due to my late diagnosis.  My last CD4/cd8 is .6 from .1.  over the course of 10 years.  There are some good seminars on youtube that discuss these topics.  I learned early that when my dr says my numbers are good.  Sometimes she really means for someone with HIV.

A myHIVteam Member · Answer

It helps to find other diseases and I don't keep track of it my doctors do

A myHIVteam Member · Answer

Glad to hear your improvement... Biktarvy.. it's one of the best... And I'm undetectable for years.. cd4 count on top.. But will be checking in cd8? So thanks.. jj4u 😎

A myHIVteam Member · Answer

It's more of an indicator of your immune health.  People with HIV sometimes have less cd4 cells and more cd8 cells. I have a low Cd4 ratio. Which is why I take my cd4 count increases with a grain of salt.

A myHIVteam Member · Answer

Dave did you ever have a low cd4 cd8 ratio when you were first diagnosed

A myHIVteam Member · Answer

Thanks Evan maybe someone on here can give us more information this is a very controversial issue. Cd4 cells are the orchestral of the immune system telling cd 8 cells to kill viruses and bacteria etc. so I would think a high cd 8 cell count would mean your body is fighting infection. But for some reason the ratio of cd4 and cd8 are complex . Having more cd8 cells and less cd 4 cells seems to cause inflammation which can lead to non hiv health complications such as  diabetes,cancer etc.but if antivirals jump up your cd4 cells the ratio should be higher so I guess.

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