Variation blueprints: A prospective cohort study of chronic HIV infected subjects on HAART

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate a six-month variation in CD8, cytotoxic molecules, CD4, viral load, CD4/CD8 ratio, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress parameters in chronic HIV infection. A total of 58 HIV sero-positive subjects on HAART were recruited for this study. CDC staging method with CD4 count was used to classify the study subjects. After a baseline sampling, subjects were followed up for 6 months, samples were collected and evaluated every 3 months. The result of the study showed significant (p<0.05) differences in viral load of test subjects when comparing the baseline, 3-month and the 6-month follow-up values. Stage I individuals' PCV values showed a significant (p<0.05) change from baseline to six months, indicating a considerable potential fluctuation in six months. A significant variation was seen between 3months (32.91±1.51%) and 6months (35.18±2.44 %) PCV follow up values for stage II subjects. There was a steady significant (p<0.05) reduction in mean CD8 values for stage I participants from baseline to the 6-month follow-up. In stage II group, CD8 count decreased significantly (p<0.05) between three and six months follow up period. PEF and GRZM values for stage I individuals revealed significant (p<0.05) decrease within the first three months of the follow-up. Stage II participants likewise demonstrated a substantial (P=0.022) decline in PEF values in the first three months but no significant (p>0.05) difference was seen with GRZM. We observed a significant (p=0.034) variation in IL-10 values for stage I individuals between the baseline and 6-month follow-up. Stage II participants showed a substantial (p<0.05) change within the period. TNF-α values for stage I subjects showed no discernible change (p>0.05) over the course of the 6-month period. Nonetheless, there were notable (p<0.05) variations in TNF-α levels among stage II participants within the follow up period. TAC values for stage I individuals revealed a sizeable (p<0.05) difference between baseline and the 6-month. Likewise, for individuals in stage II, there were notable (p<0.05) modifications in their overall antioxidant capacity between three and six months follow up period. Conclusively, there may be notable changes in the health indices of seropositive individuals in three to six months.