CD4 and infection: The strongest association with peak viral load was observed for SCGFβ, which was also inversely associated with lowest CD4:CD8 ratio < 180 days post infection and faster CD4 decline below 500 cells/μl (adjusted HR 4.537, 95% CI 1.475–13.954; p = 0.008) in multivariable analysis adjusting for age, study site, contraception, baseline HSV-2 status and trial arm allocation.