CD4+ T-cells count in HIV-malaria co-infection in adult population in Nnewi, South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The study was designed to evaluate CD4 + T-cells count in subjects with HIV-malaria co-infection in Nnewi, South Eastern Nigeria and to assess the effects any changes in CD4 + counts has on the prevalence and or severity of both illness. Two hundred and eighty-five participants aged between 16 and 72 years were recruited for the study and grouped as symptomatic HIV subjects, asymptomatic HIV subjects, HIV/AIDS subjects on ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) and HIV-seronegative subjects. HIV and malaria parasite screening, CD4 + T-cell count and parasite density were determined using standard laboratory methods. The result showed that the prevalence of malaria infection was 75% in symptomatic HIV, 46.7% in asymptomatic HIV and 59.6% in HIV/AIDS subjects on ART respectively as opposed to 26.9% observed in the control (P<0.001). The CD4 + T-cell count was significantly lower in both symptomatic and asymptomatic HIV-malaria infected subjects when compared with the malaria-infected control subjects (238 ± 176, 312 ± 144, P<0.01) respectively. CD4 + T-cells count was also significantly lower in malaria-infected HIV/AIDS on ART when compared to the malaria-infected control subjects (315 ± 195, P<0.01). The study concludes that malaria prevalence is increased in subjects with HIV/malaria co-infection and is accompanied by a significant reduction in CD4 + T-cell counts, which might worsen the severity and prognosis in these subjects. Other public health implications are discussed.

Evaluation of some cellular immune index in HIV infected participants

“…This finding is supported by reports by Ezeani et al (2010) and Ukibe et al (2010). This observation may be attributed to T cell death caused by the HIV virus (Mark et al, 2005) .…”

“…HIV infection is characterized by high rate of viral replication throughout the course of the infection with resulting viral and immune mediated destruction of CD4 cells. Consequently, the infected individual becomes susceptible to opportunistic infections, malignancies and neurological diseases (Ukibe et al, 2010;Uchaikin, 1989). Ezeani et al (2010) and Uchaikin (1989) also observed a dramatic lowering of the absolute numbers of T helper lymphocytes and an appreciable decrease of the T helper/T suppressor ratio, associated with high levels of circulating immune depression at the early stage of the pathological process.…”

Assessment of Kidney Function, Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Body Mass Index in Hiv Seropositive Subjects on Antiretroviral Therapy in Nnewi

“…Obirikorang et al [54] however, observed an increase in mean CD4 count in HIV seropositive naïve subjects when compared with HIV seropositive subjects on HAART. Low CD4 count<200 cells/µl has been implicated with kidney disease [55,56].…”

Evaluation of Pcv, Cd4+ T cell Counts, ESR and WBC Counts in Malaria Infected Symptomatic HIV (Stage 11) Male HIV/ Aids Subjects on Antiretroviral Therapy (Art) In Nnewi, South Eastern Nigeria

“…Higher level was observed in participants not on ART. This may be due to immune depletion by the viral infection which may allow the invasion of opportunistic infection (Ukibe et al, 2010) and even the presence of malaria infection itself. ESR has been reported to be increased in febrile conditions as a result of presence of infection (Cheesbrough, 2000).…”