Cluster of differentiation and renal assessment of reactive HIV subjects in Akure Nigeria

Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS is a rapidly growing epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria in particular. The report of the 2012 National Reproductive Health Survey Plus indicated that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, that is, Nigerians currently living with HIV/AIDS is about 3.4% while Ondo State has a prevalence of 4.3%. HIV is a retrovirus that primarily infects components of the human immune system such as CD4 T-cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. Objectives: To evaluate the CD4+ T cell count, sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine in adult HIV seropositive subjects on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and those yet to be started on HAART as well as HIV seronegative control subjects. Materials and Methods: Serum levels of CD4+ count of adult HIV seropositive subjects on HAART, yet to start HAART and seronegative controls were determined using flow cytometry while their serum sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine were determined using enzymatic spectrophotometric method. All data were expressed as Mean ± Standard Deviation (SD) and analysed with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) while multiple comparisons were done using Post Hoc test. Results: The serum sodium is significantly lower in the subjects in HAART group as compared with that of the other two groups. No significant difference in urea & creatinine was found in the three groups. Conclusion: Despite the fact that it appears the drugs did not have adverse effect on the kidneys, there is need for close monitoring of patients on antiretroviral medications as various drugs over time have adverse effects on various organs.