A Review of CD4 Positive T Lymphocytes Counts among HIV Positive Patients Attending a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Aims and Objectives:  To determine the baseline CD4 positive T lymphocytes count of HIV/AIDS treatment naïve adults clients presenting for the first time treatment in Benue State University Teaching Hospital. Subjects and Methods: A total of 700 subjects age between 18 years to 70 years, were recruited for the study, comprising 600 HIV sero-positive patients and 100 healthy controls in Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi from 2013 to 2014. The CD4 counts of the subjects were evaluated using a Partec flow cytometer. Results: CD4 count of 200-299 cells/μl peaked with 25% (n=150/600) [control; 0% (n= 0/100)]. The study also showed that 44% (266/600) of HIV subjects had acquired immunodeficiency syndrome as defined by low CD4 counts below 200 cells/μl. Seventy-five per cent (n=451/600) of our patients would require to be placed on antiretroviral therapy with CD4 count below 350 cells/μl. At CD4 350 baseline criterion, age group 20-29 years had the highest demand 35% (160/451) for ARV followed by age groups 30-39 and 40-49 years  with 28% (128/451) and  22% (98/451) respectively. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome among the young active productive age group as defined by CD4 counts below 200 cells/μl. The strict adopting of the ART WHO 2010 scale- up criteria doubles the number of the HIV clients that would qualify for ART with its attendant health benefits on the long run.