Effect of Short Term Antiretroviral Therapy on CD4+ Cells and Immunoglobulins in HIV Sero-positive Subjects

Abstract

The study was designed to assess the effect of short-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) on IgA, IgG and IgM and CD4⁺ T cell counts in HIV seropositive subjects. 20 confirmed HIV seropositive subjects, aged between 15-65 years were recruited for the study. They were on triple combinations therapy consisting zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine. 20 HIV seronegative subjects were used as control. Blood sample was collected from the participants for the determination of the above parameters. The CD4⁺ T cell counts show no significant difference between pre-ART and 2 months post-ART (P>0.05) but was significantly higher by 4 months post-ART compared with the pre-ART (p <0.05). IgG and IgM serum levels showed significantly high values by 2 and 4 months post-ART compared with the. pre-ART value (p <0.05 in each case). However, the serum IgA level by 4 months post-ART showed no significant difference compared with pre-ART value (p >0.05). Meanwhile there were no significant differences in CD4 count, IgM, IgA, and IgG levels between 4 months post-ART values compared with the corresponding values in HIV seronegative control subjects. The present study showed an improvement in the blood concentration of CD4 cell by 4 months post-ART administration, which suggests possible recovery of cellular immunity. The insignificant difference in IgA concentration within the study period possibly suggests non-progressive mucosal or sub mucosal infections. Similarly the raised IgM and IgG concentrations within the study period may be an indication of existing infections and signifies possible potentials towards short-term recovery. This shows that with the use of these drugs prognosis seem good for the short term.