They primarily fight infection, and the different types play different roles in your immune function.
With that said, an increase in different types of white blood cells can mean different things.
These cells are responsible for transporting oxygen to the cells and tissues of the body.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
A low hemoglobin count can also cause anemia.
Anemia can also be caused byopportunistic infectionslikecandidiasisorKaposi sarcoma (KS).
An abnormallyhigh RBC count(polycythemia) is uncommon with HIV infection.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
With that said, people ontestosterone replacement therapyfor the treatment ofHIV wastingor HIV-associatedhypogonadismwill often have a higher-than-normal RBC count.
Platelet Count
Platelets(thrombocytes) are colorless blood cells involved in blood clotting.
Normal Platelet Count
A normal platelet count can decrease as a person ages.
Thrombocytopenia affects 4%40% of people with HIV globally.
Changes above or below the normal range of values may be a sign of an infection or drug toxicity.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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