USB Anyaehie
Dept of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Owerri
RO Nneli
Dept of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu
P Amadi
HIV Screening Unit, Federal Medicine Centre, Owerri
ED Nwodobo
Dept of Physiology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Nigeria
Abstract
Leukocyte profile of 102 HIV positive asymptomatic adults (aged 18 – 56 years) in Owerri was compared with that of 80 HIV-negative adults (aged 22 – 50 years). The goal was to define early indicators of HIV-pathophysiology using leukocyte distribution pattern. Results show a definite pattern of leukopenia, relative lymphocyctosis and reduced blood level of CD4+ lymphocytes. Leukocyte profile may thus be an additional indication of HIV-infection but cannot replace HIV antibody tests for diagnostic purposes.
Key words: HIV infection, leukopenia, lymphocytosis, leukocyte profile
Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol.47(4) 2005: 61-64