The publication on CD4 count being more important than undetectable viral load can be found in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. This study reviewed the cases of more than 17,000 HIV-positive patients and monitored 2,300 patients for five years.

It was observed that HIV-affected patients often seek medical help when they are already severely immune-compromised. Patients in the long-term study included those who started treatment when their CD4 levels were very low, at below 200.