Hematological profile of people living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks the body's immune system. Normally, the immune system produces white blood cells and antibodies that attack viruses and bacteria. The infection fighting cells are called T-cell lymphocytes. Months to years after a person is infected with HIV, the virus destroys all the T-cell lymphocytes. It was a prospective study in which HIV patients were diagnosed by clinical profile, biochemical tests like ELISA, CD4 counts. Evaluation of haematological profile in HIV patients was done with Hb%, RBC, TC, DC, Platelet count, ESR, Bone marrow if needed and biochemical tests. The mean total count in our study was 6297 ± 2251 cells /mm 3. The total count varied between 2000 to 11,000 cells/mm 3. 30% of them had leucopenia. In our study majority of the PLHA's (61%) were in advanced stage (III & IV) of HIV infection.