HIV-1 RNA Viral Load, CD4 Count and Some Haematological Parameters of People Living with HIV in the Enugu Metropolis

Background: It is widely known that the human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) induces biochemical and physiological changes in affected persons. Consequently, the overall aim of this study was to evaluate the HIV-1 RNA viral load, CD4 count, and certain haematological parameters among HIV treatment-na?ve subjects in the Enugu metropolis of Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 252 HIV-infected, ART-native subjects (≥18) attending the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu were recruited for this study and were made up of 157 (62.3%) females and 95 (37.7%) males. A total of 250 HIV-negative subjects were used as control subjects (100 males and 150 females). Blood samples were collected from all the participants and their HIV-1 status was confirmed by an immunoblot confirmatory test. Their haematological parameters and CD4 count were evaluated, while the HIV-1 viral load was only assessed on confirmed HIV-positive subjects. Results: There was female predominance (62.3%) among these HIV-positive subjects. The mean age of HIV-positive subjects was 39.16 ± 10.08 years while the mean age of the control subjects was 34.8 ± 8.6 years. The age group of 31 - 40 years (102/252 (40.5%)) constituted most of the test subjects. The total white blood cells (TWBC) (6.05 ± 5.46), lymphocyte counts (36 ± 14), haemoglobin concentrations (Hb) (9.85 ± 7.36) and the CD4 counts (242 ± 228) of the HIV-infected subjects showed a significant difference when compared with their control counterpart values of TWBC (4.5 ± 0.568), lymphocytes (39.67 ± 8.2), Hb (13.48 ± 1.5), and CD4 counts (807 ± 249) (p 0.05). Anaemia, lymphocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia were the haematological abnormalities seen in the HIV-positive subjects. HIV viral load correlated with haemoglobin concentration, CD4 count, lymphocyte count, and neutrophil count (p Conclusion: Prognostic factors, such as haemoglobin concentrations, CD4 counts, lymphocyte counts, and neutrophil counts can be used to monitor patients’ viral loads since they correlate with the latter;furthermore, age is a factor that should be considered in the management of HIV-positive patients.

Correlation Analysis on Total Lymphocyte Count and CD4 Count in HIV-infected Patients: A Retrospective Evaluation

CD4 count is the standard method for determining eligibility for highly active antiretroviral therapy （HAART） and monitoring HIV/AIDS disease progression, but it is not widely available in resource-limited settings. This study examined the correlation between total lymphocyte count （TLC） and CD4 count of HIV-infected patients before and after HAART, and assessed the thresholds of TLC for making decisions about the initiation and for monitoring HAART. A retrospective study was performed, and 665 HIV-infected patients with TLC and CD4 count from four counties （Shangcai, Queshan, Shenqiu and Weishi） were included in the study. Pearson correlation and receiver operating characteristic （ROC） were used. TLC and CD4 count after HAART was significantly increased as compared with pre-HAART （P〈0.01）. An overall positive correlation was noted between TLC and CD4 count （pre-HAART, r=0.73, P=0.0001; follow-up HAART, r=0.56, P=0.0001）. The ROC curve between TLC and CD4 count showed that TLC ≤ 1200 cells/mm3 could predict CD4 〈 200 cells/mm3 with a sensitivity of 71.12%, specificity of 66.35% at pre-HAART. After 12-month HAART, the optimum prediction for CD4 count 〈 200 cells/mm3 was a TLC ≤ 1300 cells/mm3, with a sensitivity of 63.27%, and a specificity of 74.84%. Further finding indicated that TLC change was positively correlated to CD4 change （r=0.77, P=0.0001） at the time point of 12-month treatment, and the best prediction point of TLC change for CD4 increasing was 135 cells/mm3. TLC and its change can be used as a surrogate marker for CD4 count and its change of HIV-infected individuals for making decisions about the initiation and for monitoring HAART in resource-limited settings.

Evidence of Renal Damage in HIV-Infected Patients with High CD4 Counts Following the Use of Traditional Medicine

Kidney dysfunction is one of the most serious complications resulting from the use of traditional medicine which is common in Africa accounting for about 35% of renal damage in HIV-infected patients. In this cross sectional study, 250 HIV-infected patients were groups as follows: ART GrpA (100), ART + traditional medicine use GrpB (100) and ART treatment naïve + traditional medicine GrpC (50). Tubular dysfunctions were defined when at least two or more of the following abnormalities were repeatedly present: Uricosuria ≥ 0.05 mg/dl, Phosphaturia ≥ 20.0 mg/dl, Glucosuria ≥ 0.1 mg/dl, Proteinuria = positive protein on dipstick urine. Renal dysfunctions were found to be significantly high (P = 0.001) in the group of patients treated with ART + traditional medicine. 27 (64.29%) patients followed by ART treatment naïve patients + traditional medicine;12 (28.57%) patients and only 4 (7.14%) patients developed renal toxicity in the ART treatment Grp. But strikingly CD4 counts were also significantly higher in Grp B (683 cell/ul) compared to group A (446 cell/ul) and C (206 cell/ul). Our results show that HIV-infected patients on ART combined with traditional medicine might develop renal abnormalities in the presence of high CD4 counts, in the course of incessant use of traditional medicine. Thus it is important that more research be conducted on its usage among the Black population with HIV infection.

Poor CD4 count is a predictor of untreated depression in human immunodeficiency virus-positive African-Americans

AIM: To determine if efforts to improve antiretroviral therapy(ART) adherence minimizes the negative impact of depression on human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) outcomes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of a clinic-based cohort of 158 HIV seropositive(HIV+) African Americans screened for major depressive disorder(MDD) in 2012. CD4 T lymphocyte(CD4+) counts were obtained from these individuals. Self-report on adherence to ART was determined from questionnaire administered during clinic visits. The primary outcome measure was conditional odds of having a poorer CD4+ count(< 350 cells/mm3). Association between CD4+ count and antidepressant-treated or untreated MDD subjects was examined controlling for self-reported adherence and other potential confounders. RESULTS: Out of 147 individuals with available CD4+ T lymphocyte data, 31% had CD4+ count < 350 cells/mm^3 and 28% reported poor ART adherence. As expected the group with > 350 cells/mm^3 CD4+ T lymphocyte endorsed significantly greater ART adherence compared to the group with < 350 cells/mm3 CD4+ T lymphocyte count(P < 0.004). Prevalence of MDD was 39.5% and 66% of individuals with MDD took antidepressants. Poor CD4+ T lymphocyte count was associated with poor ART adherence and MDD. Adjusting for ART adherence, age, sex and education, which were potential confounders, the association between MDD and poor CD4+ T lymphocyte remained significant only in the untreated MDD group.CONCLUSION: Therefore, CD4+ count could be a clinical marker of untreated depression in HIV+. Also, mental health care may be relevant to primary care of HIV+ patients.

Study of Cardiac Manifestations in Patients with HIV Infection and Their Correlation with CD4 Count in Indian Population

Introduction: With advances in the management of patients living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA), not only survival has increased but manifestations of late stage HIV infection are encountered more often including cardiovascular complications. Aims and Objectives: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of cardiac manifestations in patients with HIV infection and to evaluate their correlation with CD4 count. Materials and Method: 70 consecutive patients with HIV infection admitted to Post Graduate Department of Medicine from the period of July 2010 to August 2011 were studied. All cases of PLHA diagnosed after positive ELISA test for HIV infection were included, whereas those with congenital heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, hypertension, Ischemic heart disease were excluded from the study. CD4 count and 2D echocardiography along with routine investigations were done for all patients. Result: Male to female ratio was 2:1. Echocardiographic abnormalities were seen in 58% of patients. Reduced ejection fraction (below 50%) and fractional shortening below 30% were the most common cardiac abnormality (48.7%) followed by pericardial effusion (17.4%), pulmonary artery hypertension (11.4%), dilated cardiomyopathy (8.5%), diastolic dysfunction (8.5%) and regional wall motion abnormality (1.4%) respectively. Significant statistical positive correlation was observed between low CD4 count and echocardiographic abnormalities (p < 0.0001). Pericardial effusion was seen more in patients with CD4 count below 200 (p < 0.001). Maximum number of echocardiographic abnormalities was seen in WHO clinical stage IV. Conclusions: Cardiac manifestations are frequent PLHA in our population but do not have detectable clinical manifestation. Echocardiographic abnormalities have a strong correlation with low CD4 count and occur more in advanced stage of the disease.

HIV阳性肾衰竭患者动静脉内瘘手术后感染与外周血CD4计数、白蛋白的相关性分析

目的分析人类免疫缺陷病毒(human immune deficiency virus,HIV)阳性肾衰竭患者动静脉内瘘手术后感染与外周血CD4计数、白蛋白(ALB)的相关性。方法选取2016年7月—2023年10月成都市公共卫生临床医疗中心HIV阳性肾衰竭初次行动静脉内瘘手术患者,根据患者是否发生动静脉内瘘感染分为感染组和未感染组。Logistic分析动静脉内瘘手术后发生感染的影响因素,以Spearman法分析外周血CD4计数、ALB水平与感染可能性评分(infection probability score,IPS)、急性生理功能和慢性健康状况评分系统Ⅱ(acute physiology and chronic health evaluation,APACHEⅡ)的相关性。并通过受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析外周血CD4计数、ALB预测动静脉内瘘手术后发生感染的价值。结果共纳入96例患者,其中感染组20例,非感染组76例。感染组穿刺点反复穿刺率、穿刺点过敏率均高于未感染组(χ^(2)=9.970、7.191,P=0.002、0.007);感染组外周血CD4计数、ALB水平低于未感染组(t=8.073、7.092,P=0.001、0.001)。穿刺点反复穿刺(OR=3.552,95%CI:1.186~10.637,P=0.001)、穿刺点过敏(OR=4.042,95%CI:1.245~13.120,P=0.001)、外周血CD4计数(OR=0.370,95%CI:0.182~0.753,P=0.001)、ALB水平(OR=0.356,95%CI:0.176~0.720,P=0.001)均为HIV阳性肾衰竭患者初次动静脉内瘘手术后发生感染的影响因素。感染组CD4计数<200个/μl患者IPS、APACHEⅡ评分高于CD4计数≥200个/μl患者(t=3.774、4.123,P=0.001、0.001),ALB<30 g/L患者IPS、APACHEⅡ评分高于ALB≥30 g/L患者(t=3.594、4.229,P=0.002、0.001);感染组外周血CD4计数、ALB水平与IPS、APACHEⅡ评分呈负相关(r=-0.576、-0.621、-0.562、-0.643,P=0.001、0.001、0.001、0.001);外周血CD4计数、ALB预测HIV阳性肾衰竭患者初次动静脉内瘘手术后发生感染的AUC分别为0.763、0.800,二者联合预测的AUC为0.947,大于单独预测的AUC(Z=2.793、2.078,P=0.007、0.035)。结论HIV阳性肾衰竭初次行动静脉内瘘患者手术后感染与外周血CD4计数、ALB水平密切相关,二者联合可为临床预测动静脉内瘘感染提供重要参考依据。

乳酸/白蛋白比值、白细胞介素-6、CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数对重症肺炎并脓毒症患者短期预后的预测价值

目的探讨乳酸/白蛋白比值(LAR)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数对重症肺炎并脓毒症患者28 d死亡的预测价值。方法选择2022年1月至2023年6月郑州大学附属郑州中心医院呼吸重症医学科(RICU)收治的73例重症肺炎并脓毒症患者为研究对象,依据患者28 d生存结局将其分为生存组(n=43)和死亡组(n=30)。通过查阅电子病历收集患者的临床资料,包括:年龄、性别及合并高血压、糖尿病、冠状动脉性心脏病(CHD)情况,入住RICU治疗时的序贯器官衰竭评分(SOFA)、急性生理与慢性健康状态评价系统Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ)评分、平均动脉压(MAP)、英国胸科协会改良肺炎评分(CURB-65)、总胆红素(Tbil)、血肌酐(Scr)、血小板计数(PLT)、白细胞(WBC)计数、降钙素原(PCT)、C-反应蛋白(CRP)。入住RICU后第1、3、7天,抽取患者动脉血,应用全自动血气分析仪检测乳酸水平;抽取患者外周静脉血,应用酶联免疫吸附试验检测患者血清中白蛋白和白细胞介素-6(IL-6)水平,流式细胞仪检测CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞亚群计数;计算2组患者第1、3、7天的LAR。比较2组患者的临床资料及第1、3、7天的LAR、IL-6及CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数水平,应用logistic回归分析重症肺炎并脓毒症患者28 d死亡的影响因素,受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线评估各影响因素对重症肺炎并脓毒症患者28 d死亡的预测价值。结果2组患者的性别、年龄、合并高血压占比、合并糖尿病占比、合并CHD占比、RICU住院时间以及入住RICU时的Tbil、MAP、PLT、Scr、WBC、PCT、CRP比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);死亡组患者的APACHEⅡ评分、CURB-65评分显著高于生存组(P<0.05)。第1、3、7天,死亡组患者的CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数显著低于生存组,SOFA评分显著高于生存组(P<0.05)。第1天,死亡组与生存组患者的LAR、IL-6水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);第3、7天,死亡组患者的LAR及IL-6水平显著高于生存组(P<0.05)。生存组患者第3、7天的LAR、IL-6、SOFA评分显著低于第1天,第7天的LAR、IL-6、SOFA显著低于第3天(P<0.05);生存组患者第3、7天的CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数显著高于第1天(P<0.05);生存组患者第7天与第3天的CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。死亡组患者第7天的IL-6水平显著低于第1、3天(P<0.05),第1天的IL-6水平与第3天比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);LAR、CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数、SOFA评分各时间点间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。Pearson相关性分析显示,第3天,重症肺炎并脓毒症患者LAR、IL-6水平与SOFA评分呈显著正相关(r=0.385、0.394,P<0.05);第7天,LAR、IL-6与SOFA评分亦呈显著正相关(r=0.418、0.402,P<0.05);第3、7天,CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数与SOFA评分均呈显著负相关(r=-0.451、-0.454,P<0.05)。Logistic回归分析结果显示,APACHEⅡ评分、第3天的LAR、IL-6、CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数及第7天的IL-6、CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数是重症肺炎并脓毒症28 d死亡的影响因素(P<0.05)。ROC曲线显示,APACHEⅡ评分,第3天的LAR、IL-6、CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数及三者联合,第7天的IL-6、CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数及二者联合对重症肺炎并脓毒症患者的28 d死亡均有一定预测价值(P<0.05);第3天的LAR、IL-6和CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数联合预测重症肺炎并脓毒症患者28 d死亡的ROC曲线下面积(AUC)为0.891,APACHEⅡ评分预测重症肺炎并脓毒症患者28 d死亡的AUC值为0.769,第3天的LAR、IL-6、CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数预测重症肺炎并脓毒症28 d死亡的AUC值分别为0.795、0.757、0.770,第7天的IL-6、CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数及二者联合预测重症肺炎并脓毒症28 d死亡的AUC值分别为0.743、0.802、0.888。结论入院3 d LAR、3 d IL-6、3 d CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数以及7 d IL-6、7 d CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数是影响重症肺炎并脓毒症患者28 d死亡的相关因素;联合检测第3天的LAR、IL-6、CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数能够更好地评估患者病情严重程度及预后。

HIV/AIDS患者抗病毒治疗时间对CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数、HIV病毒载量的影响

目的:探究人体免疫缺陷病毒(HIV)/获得性免疫缺陷综合征(AIDS)患者抗病毒治疗时间对CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数、HIV病毒载量的影响。方法:回顾性收集2018年4月—2023年4月新余市人民医院收治的200例HIV/AIDS患者的临床资料,根据确诊后抗病毒治疗时间的不同分为A组(治疗满1年,n=30)、B组(治疗满2年,n=26)、C组(治疗满3年,n=45)、D组(治疗满4年,n=99)。比较各组治疗后HIV病毒载量及CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数,分析抗病毒治疗时间与CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数、HIV病毒载量的关系,采用多元线性回归分析HIV/AIDS抗病毒治疗后CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数变化的影响因素。结果:D组CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数高于A组、B组、C组,且C组CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数高于A组、B组,B组CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数高于A组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。四组的HIV病毒载量比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。不同性别、基线CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数、WHO临床分期的HIV/AIDS患者抗病毒治疗后的CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);多元线性回归分析显示,基线CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数、治疗时间为HIV/AIDS患者抗病毒治疗后CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数变化的影响因素(P<0.05)。结论:抗病毒治疗持续时间越长,HIV/AIDS患者的CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数改善效果越明显,基线CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数、治疗时间为HIV/AIDS患者抗病毒治疗后CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数变化的影响因素。

人类免疫缺陷病毒/艾滋病抗病毒治疗患者的基线CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数对抗病毒治疗后免疫功能重建的影响

目的探讨人类免疫缺陷病毒/艾滋病(HIV/AIDS)患者的基线CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数对抗病毒治疗后免疫功能重建的影响,为判断抗病毒治疗的效果提供依据。方法选取2019—2022年赣州市755例抗病毒治疗24周以上的HIV/AIDS患者的临床资料,采集外周血进行CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数和病毒载量检测。根据抗病毒治疗24周后的CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数将患者分为免疫重建良好组(≥200个/μl)和免疫重建不良组(<200个/μl)。多因素分析采用二分类logistic回归,采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评估模型的预测价值。结果755例患者中,614例(81.3%)免疫重建良好,141例(18.7%)免疫重建不良。病毒学指标显示有617例(81.7%)病毒学抑制成功,138例(18.3%)病毒学抑制失败。免疫重建不良组中基线CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数>500个/μl占比低于免疫重建良好组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。单因素分析结果显示,免疫重建与性别、年龄、治疗时间和基线CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数有关,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。logistic回归模型进行多因素分析结果显示,性别女(β=-0.642,OR=0.526,95%CI:0.288~0.962)、治疗时间1~2年(β=-0.538,OR=0.584,95%CI:0.383~0.890)、基线CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数200~500个/μl(β=-2.761,OR=0.063,95%CI:0.035~0.116)及基线CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数>500个/μl(β=-3.206,OR=0.041,95%CI:0.010~0.169)是免疫重建不良的独立保护因素(P<0.05)。年龄>50岁(β=1.554,OR=4.730,95%CI:1.028~21.751)是免疫重建不良的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。基于基线CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数的模型对免疫重建不良预测的ROC曲线下面积为0.834(P<0.05)。结论性别、年龄、抗病毒治疗时间和基线CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数是HIV/AIDS患者免疫功能重建的独立影响因素。

静脉血CD4检测在早期艾滋病患者筛查中的应用研究

目的探讨静脉血CD4^(+)检测在早期艾滋病患者筛查中的应用效果。方法选取2022年2月至2023年2月于我中心体检的200例艾滋病患者纳入观察组,另选择同期体检的200名健康人员纳入对照组。检测两组的CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞数与病毒载量(VL)水平,根据观察组CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞数检测结果进行分组。比较观察组与对照组CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞数;比较四个亚组VL水平,根据检测结果分析CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞数与VL的相关性。结果观察组CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞数少于对照组(P<0.05)。A组至D组艾滋病患者VL水平呈逐渐降低趋势(F=13.450,P<0.05)。Pearson相关性分析结果显示,CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞数与VL水平呈明显负相关(r=-0.604,P=0.007)。结论艾滋病患者患病期间,随着CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞数增加,VL水平逐渐降低;针对艾滋病患者进行CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞数与VL水平检测可明确艾滋病的发生,评估患者疾病严重程度。

Assessing the effect of traditional Chinese medicine on CD4+ lymphocyte count of 807 HIV/AIDS cases

National Free Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) HIV/AIDS Treatment Program had been carried out for more than 5 years, treating 9267 cases accumulately by 2009. We report the 3-year outcome on CD4+ lymphocyte count of 807 cases of HIV/AIDS enrolled in the National Free TCM HIV/AIDS Treatment Pro- gram, the CD4+ lymphocyte count were measured every 6 month at 7 time points (0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 month). The results showed that the overall CD4+ ly mphocyte count maintained stable at the 6th month and the 12th month, declined significantly at the 18th month, 24th month and 30th month, then elevated to the pre-treatment level at the 36th month. Patients with pre-treatment CD4+ lymphocyte count level 350/mm3 had CD4+ lymphocyte count declined significantly after all visits. In summary, combined treatment of Chinese herbal medicine and conventional therapy on HIV/AIDS suggested promising effect, but more evidences from larger, rigorous designed studies still needed to support the affirmative effect of TCM in the future.

Correlation between Abdominal Ultrasonographic Findings and CD4 Cell Count in Adult Patients with HIV/AIDS in Jos, Nigeria

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV) resulting in progressive destruction of cell mediated immunity. The abdominal manifestations of AIDS are related to the level of CD+4 cells count as well as viral load. Abdominal ultrasound examination is easy to perform, non-invasive, inexpensive, readily available and reproducible investigation which provides valuable information about abdominal findings in AIDS. The objective of the study was to evaluate abdominal ultrasound findings in adult HIV/AIDS patients in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria and correlate these findings with the patients’ CD+4 counts. A cross-sectional study of abdominal ultrasound findings of adult patients with HIV/AIDS was conducted over a period of six months. The abdominal ultrasound findings and CD+4 counts were studied. Two hundred (40%) of the patients had normal abdominal ultrasound, while 60% (300) had various abnormalities. The common abnormalities included increased liver parenchymal echogenicity in 25.0%, hepatomegaly in 23.4%, splenomegaly in 6.6%, increased splenic echogenicity in 6.2% and thickened gallbladder wall in 12.6%, elevated renal parenchymal echogenicity in 6.4%, enlarged kidneys in 2.6%, lymphadenopathy in 6.0%, and ascites in 2.4%. Pelvic abscess was the least pathology in 0.2%. Most of the findings did not correlate with the patients’ CD+4?count except for lymphadenopathy and ascites. Although abdominal ultrasound examination is invaluable in the management of these patients, however, it has not shown to be useful in predicting the patients’ immune status.

Bayesian Joint Modelling of Survival Time and Longitudinal CD4 Cell Counts Using Accelerated Failure Time and Generalized Error Distributions

Survival of HIV/AIDS patients is crucially dependent on comprehensive and targeted medical interventions such as supply of antiretroviral therapy and monitoring disease progression with CD4 T-cell counts. Statistical modelling approaches are helpful towards this goal. This study aims at developing Bayesian joint models with assumed generalized error distribution (GED) for the longitudinal CD4 data and two accelerated failure time distributions, Lognormal and loglogistic, for the survival time of HIV/AIDS patients. Data are obtained from patients under antiretroviral therapy follow-up at Shashemene referral hospital during January 2006-January 2012 and at Bale Robe general hospital during January 2008-March 2015. The Bayesian joint models are defined through latent variables and association parameters and with specified non-informative prior distributions for the model parameters. Simulations are conducted using Gibbs sampler algorithm implemented in the WinBUGS software. The results of the analyses of the two different data sets show that distributions of measurement errors of the longitudinal CD4 variable follow the generalized error distribution with fatter tails than the normal distribution. The Bayesian joint GED loglogistic models fit better to the data sets compared to the lognormal cases. Findings reveal that patients’ health can be improved over time. Compared to the males, female patients gain more CD4 counts. Survival time of a patient is negatively affected by TB infection. Moreover, increase in number of opportunistic infection implies decline of CD4 counts. Patients’ age negatively affects the disease marker with no effects on survival time. Improving weight may improve survival time of patients. Bayesian joint models with GED and AFT distributions are found to be useful in modelling the longitudinal and survival processes. Thus we recommend the generalized error distributions for measurement errors of the longitudinal data under the Bayesian joint modelling. Further studies may investigate the models with various types of shared random effects and more covariates with predictions.

Detection of microbial antigenic components of circulating immune complexes in HIV patients:Involvement in CD4^+ T lymphocyte count depletion

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of microbial antigenic components of circulating immune complexes amongst grades of CD4 T lymphocyte counts in HIV sero positive and seronegative participants.Methods:Polyethelene glycol(PEG-600) and buffering methods of precipitation and dissociation of immune complexes was used to generate immune solution from sera of 100 HIV sero-positive and 100 HIV sero-negative participants.These were categorized into 3 grades based on CD4 count:】 500 cell/mm,200-499 cell/mm3 and 【200 cell/mm3.The immune solutions were assayed using membrane based immunoassay and antibody titration, along side its unprocessed serum for detection of various microbial antigens and or antibodies. CD4 T cell counts were estimated using Patec Cyflow SL-3 Germany.Results:Antigenic component of immune complexes of various infectious agents was detected in 99 and 70 HIV seropositive and HIV sero-negative participants,respectively.In group A,there were 10 HIV positive participants,including 4(40.0%) had circulating immune complexes(CICs) due to Salmonella species only:1(10.0%) due to Salmonella-Plasmodium falciparum(P.falciparum),SalmonellaP. falciparum-HCV and P.falciparum antigens,respectively.In group B,45(45.4%) HIV seropositive participants with CICs had CD4 T lymphocyte count between 200-499 cells/mm^3.Out of these,20(44.4%) had CICs due to Salmonella species only:9(20%) due to Salmonella-P. falciparum.In group C,there were 44(44.4%) HIV sero-positive participants,including 3(6.8%) due to Salmonella species only:24(54.4%) due to Salmonella-P.falciparum:2(4.5%) due to P. falciparum only.Conclusions:In HIV sero-positive participants,presence of heterogeneity of Salmonella species-P.falciparum antigens was highly incriminated in CD4 count depletion but not homogeneity of malaria parasites antigens.Malaria parasites antigens only were incriminated in CD4^+ count depletion amongst HIV sero-negative participants.Before taking any decision on the management of HIV-1-positive individuals,their malaria and Salmonella paratyphi status should be assessed,but not malaria status alone.

Factors Associated with Sample Rejection for CD4+/CD8+ T Cell Count Analyses at the Kenyatta National Hospital Comprehensive Care Center Laboratory, Kenya

Background: The appropriate time to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV/AIDS patients is determined by measurement of CD4+/CD8+ T cell count. The CD4/CD8+ T cell count is also useful, together with viral load, in monitoring disease progression and effectiveness treatment regimens. Several factors may contribute to sample rejection during the CD4+/CD8+ T cells count, resulting in negative effects on patient management. Objective: Evaluate the causes for CD4+CD8+ T cell count sample rejection at the Kenyatta National Hospital Comprehensive Care Center Laboratory. Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted between 2018 and 2020. Data was obtained from the “rejected samples” for PartecR FlowCyp flow cytometry file. Designed data collection sheet was used for data capture. A total of 3972 samples were submitted for CD4+/CD8+ T cell count during the study period. Causes for sample rejection were numbered 1 to 12, each representing a reason for sample rejection. Number 1 was sub-categorized into clotted, hemolyzed, short-draw and lipemic. Data was analyzed using excel, and presented using tables, graphs and pie charts. Approval to conduct the study was obtained from KNH/UoN ERC. Results: In the study period, 81/3972 (2.0%) samples were rejected. Samples submitted more than 48 hours after collection were mostly rejected. Other factors included improper collection technique, delayed testing, patient identification error and incorrect use of vacutainer. A combination of clotted samples, specimen submission more than 48 hours caused the most frequent sample rejection, followed with combination of specimen submission more than 48 hours, delayed testing and delayed specimen processing. Together, clotted samples, incorrect vacutainer and poor specimen label caused the least sample rejection. Conclusion: Sample rejection rate for CD4/CD8+ T cell count was relatively low, and multiple factors contributed to rejection. However, improved quality assurance will enable more benefit to patients who seek this test in the laboratory.

Sustained heavy ethanol drinking affects CD4⁺cell counts in HIV-infected patients on stavudine (d4T), lamivudine (3TC) and nevirapine (NVP) treatment regimen during 9 months follow-up period

Sustained heavy ethanol drinking is a common problem globally and ethanol is one of the most abused drugs among individuals of different socio-economic status including the HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral drugs. Ethanol is reward drug and a CNS depressant especially at high doses. The study determined the effect of sustained heavy ethanol drinking by HIV-infected patients on d4T/3TC/NVP regimen on CD4+ cell counts in Uganda using WHO AUDIT tool and chronic alcohol-use biomarkers. A case control study using repeated measures design with serial measurements model was used. The patients on stavudine (d4T) 30 mg, lamivudine (3TC) 150 mg and nevirapine (NVP) 200 mg and chronic alcohol use were recruited. A total of 41 patients (20 in alcohol group and 21 in control group) were screened for chronic alcohol use by WHO AUDIT tool and chronic alcohol use biomarkers. They were followed up for 9 months with blood sampling done at 3 months intervals. CD4+ cell count was determined using Facscalibur Flow Cytometer system. Results were then sorted by alcohol-use biomarkers (GGT, MCV and AST/ ALT ratio). Data were analysed using SAS 2003 version 9.1 statistical package with repeated measures fixed model and the means were compared using student t-test. The mean CD4+ cell counts in all the groups were lower than the reference ranges at baseline and gradually increased at 3, 6 and 9 months of follow-up. The mean CD4+ cell counts were higher in the control group as compared to the chronic alcohol use group in both WHO AUDIT tool group and chronic alcohol-use biomarkers group though there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). Chronic alcohol use slightly lowers CD4+ cell count in HIV-infected patients on d4T/3TC/NVP treatment regimen.

CD4 T-Lymphocytes Count in HIV-<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>Co-Infected Pregnant Women Undergoing a Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Program

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a parasite responsible of toxoplasmosis, a disease often asymptomatic but with serious consequences in pregnant women and immunocompromised subjects. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of T. gondii infection on CD4+ T lymphocytes count in HIV-infected pregnant women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of pregnant women co-infected by HIV and T. gondii. The study was conducted from January to July 2016 at the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) sites in the Health District of Lacs in Togo. Diagnosis of HIV was performed by immuno-chromatographic methods with Determine TM HIV-1/2 and immuno-filtration with Tri-Dot HIV-1 and 2 kits. Presence of anti-toxoplasmic IgG and IgM antibodies was established via enzyme immunoassay using ELISA-BIOREX&reg;kit. Flow cytometry was used to count CD4+ T lymphocytes. Results: Our study found that of the 4599 pregnant women, 111 (2.41%) were HIV-positive. Among them, 109 (98.20%) were infected by HIV-1 and 2 (1.98%) by HIV-2. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 5.36% (IgM), 25% (IgG) and 3.57% (both IgM and IgG) of HIV 56 infected women. There was no significant difference between CD4 cell count in HIV (+)/T. gondii IgM (-)/IgG (-) infected pregnant women (378.8 ± 222.8 cell//μl) compared to HIV (+)/T. gondii/IgM (+) (457.3 ± 183.3 cell//μl), HIV (+)/T. gondii IgG (+) (419.4 ± 287.3 cell//μl) and HIV (+)/T. gondii IgM/IgG (+) (480.5 ± 252.4 cell/μl). Conclusion: This study showed that intracellular parasite T. gondii did not alter CD4+ T lymphocytes count in HIV/T. gondii co-infected pregnant women.

HIV/AIDS合并原发性肝癌声像图特征与CD4+T淋巴细胞数相关性的研究

目的:探讨HIV/AIDS合并原发性肝癌在CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数不同免疫时期病灶的超声特征。方法:回顾分析2011年1月至2021年1月我院确诊的42例HIV/AIDS合并原发性肝癌患者。根据外周血CD4^(+)T细胞计数分为<200个/μl组,200-500个/μl组,>500个/μl组。通过超声检查并记录病灶的大小以及超声声像学特征,统计分析不同CD4^(+)T细胞计数水平的超声特征。结果:42例患者中,CD4^(+)T细胞计数<200个/μl组15例,200-500个/μl组19例,>500个/μl组8例。不同水平的CD4^(+)T细胞计数间肿瘤最大直径的比较具有统计学差异(P<0.05),不同CD4^(+)T细胞计数水平的肿瘤超声的形态、边界、位置、回声、晕环征以及是否合并门静脉癌栓组间比较无显著差异(P>0.05)。结论:HIV/AIDS合并原发性肝癌患者在不同CD4^(+)T细胞计数水平的病灶大小存在差异,采用彩色多普勒超声可为临床提供有价值的影像学资料,有利于对HIV/AIDS合并原发性肝癌患者的病情进展评估。

肺结核患者CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数水平与下呼吸道病原菌感染类型及耐药性的关系

目的了解肺结核合并下呼吸道感染患者CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数水平、下呼吸道病原菌构成及其耐药情况,为临床制定治疗方案提供依据。方法选取2019年6月至2022年5月南京市第二医院收治的肺结核合并下呼吸道感染者261例作为感染组,另选取单纯肺结核者162例作为单纯组,体检健康者83例作为健康人对照组。采用流式细胞仪测定3组外周血CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数,对感染组患者的痰或肺泡灌洗液进行细菌培养,VITEK-2 compact全自动微生物分析仪分析病原菌构成,并进行药敏试验分析病原菌的耐药性。结果与健康人对照组相比,单纯组与感染组的CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞数均明显降低(Z分别为2.344与7.813,P<0.05);与单纯组相比,感染组CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞数明显降低(Z=6.680,P<0.01);感染组中合并两种及以上菌株感染者CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞数低于合并一种菌株感染者,且多重耐药者CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞数低于非多重耐药者(P<0.05)。合并菌株数和耐药性均与CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞数呈显著负相关(r分别为-0.3489与-0.3545,P均<0.01)。感染组患者下呼吸道标本细菌培养共分离出病原菌314株,其中革兰阴性菌154株(49.04%),依次为肺炎克雷伯菌、阴沟肠杆菌、鲍曼不动杆菌、铜绿假单胞菌、大肠埃希菌;真菌153株(48.73%),以白色念珠菌为主,革兰阳性菌7株(2.23%)。药敏试验结果显示,鲍曼不动杆菌、铜绿假单胞菌对头孢替坦耐药率为100.0%;肺炎克雷伯菌、大肠杆菌对头孢唑林、头孢曲松、环丙沙星、左氧氟沙星耐药率较高,对哌拉西林、亚胺培南耐药率最低,阴沟肠杆菌对妥布霉素、庆大霉素、头孢曲松耐药率较高。真菌对氟康唑敏感率最高,对制霉菌素的敏感率最低。结论肺结核患者合并下呼吸道感染时CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数较低,发生多重感染和多重耐药时CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞计数更低,两者呈负相关,且下呼吸道感染的病原菌以革兰阴性菌和真菌为主。

乐山地区健康成人CD4淋巴细胞计数参考值调查

[目的]建立乐山地区健康成年人CD3、CD4、CD45淋巴细胞绝对数及CD3/CD45、CD4/CD45正常值参考范围,及性别、年龄分布情况。[方法]采用BD FACSCalibur流式细胞仪检测117例健康成人血液标本中CD3、CD4、CD3/CD45、CD4/CD45、CD45,按不同性别、不同年龄分组进行统计学分析。[结果]乐山地区健康成人CD3参考平均值为:1416.37±356.25个/μl;CD4为:783.14±182.79个/μl;CD45为:2093.03±533.29个/lμ;CD3/CD45(%)参考平均值为:67.81±7.11;CD4/CD45(%):37.74±5.19,仅CD3/CD45在年龄组比较中差异有统计学意义,CD3、CD4、CD3/CD45、CD4/CD45、CD45在性别和年龄上差异均无统计学意义。[结论]首次建立乐山地区健康成年人CD3、CD4、CD45淋巴细胞绝对数及CD3/CD45、CD4/CD45参考值范围,为本地区艾滋病的分期和抗病毒治疗提供重要依据。