Comparison of total white blood cells and lymphocytes between pregnant and non-pregnant women infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

Abstract

To determine and compare WBC and lymphocyte distribution between pregnant and non-pregnant women with HIV infection.Thirty-six pregnant HIV infected adult women not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were compared with equal number of non-pregnant HIV infected women of similar characteristics. WBC and lymphocyte counts were obtained using a Coulter AcT5 five-part differential analyzer while lymphocytes cell subsets were done using a flow-cytometer. Statistical evaluations and comparisons between variables were by non-parametric computerized measures. Significance of the results was set at P<0.05. No statistically significant differences were found in the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the study participants (P>0.299). Significant difference were observed in the total WBC (P=0.001), percentage lymphocyte counts, absolute and percent CD4 cell counts (P=0.004 and P=0.005 respectively) and CD4/CD8 ratio. Immune status of Pregnant HIV infected women is characterized of leucocytosis with lymhocytopenia and stable CD4 counts compared to non- pregnant HIV infected women. Larger Studies with more robust designs to confirm the present study findings.