“Discordant” Increases in CD4 Cell Count Relative to Plasma Viral Load in a Closely Followed Cohort of Patients Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract

Our results demonstrate that virtually all CD4 cell count increases can be attributed to transient or partial pVL suppression. Unmeasured pVL suppression likely explains discordant responses that have been previously reported. Similarities between transient and full virologic responders also appear to be time limited and are often associated with greater cumulative use of antiretroviral therapy by transient virologic responders.