A member asked:

Dear sir, i have sex with one sex worker and after 6 weeks my lymphocytes count drop to 17 % (1400).this is a sign of hiv infection?

5 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Possible, but...: A low lymphocyte count could be suggestive of HIV infection, but is not definitive. It is very nonspecific. A variety of other infections may also cause a low lymphocyte count, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. If concerned about HIV infection, you really need to get an HIV antibody test to determine your status.

Answered 11/27/2017

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Dr. Donald Alves answered

Specializes in Emergency Medicine

Perhaps: It "might" be an indicator of HIV infection, or could be a "left-shift" to more pmns indicating that your body is attempting to fight off an acute infection (likely bacterial...And not impossibly from the sex worker). If concerned, you should get the propper test to answer your question--an HIV test. Discuss w/your dr, as also may need recheck cbc, and other std testing.

Answered 6/10/2014

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Get tested: Sex with someone who engages in commercial sex work carries an increased risk of exposure to hiv, especially if you did not use a condom during the encounter. A CBC is not a reliable test for hiv. After a risky exposure, one should be tested for HIV antibody at weeks 6, 12 and 24 after exposure. If you have a flu-like illness that lasts more than a few days, your doc may also test HIV rna.

Answered 6/10/2014

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