Evaluation of absolute CD4+ and CD4/CD8 ratios before and after antiviral treatment in HIV patients: A single-center experience

Abstract

Aim: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a disease with dramatic effects on global health policies. The absolute CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratios are better biomarkers for more accurately describing overall immune dysfunction and disease progression, response to therapy, morbidity, viral suppression, and mortality. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the absolute CD4+ and CD4/CD8 ratios before and after treatment. In addition, the characteristics of HIV-RNA-positive patients were evaluated.

Method: In this single-center retrospective study, 50,047 anti-HIV tests performed between January 2022 and September 2022 at Samsun University Training and Research Hospital were evaluated. The absolute CD4 and CD4/CD8 values ​​of 94 patients treated in our center were evaluated before and after treatment. In addition, the characteristics of 276 patients who underwent HIV RNA testing during this time were evaluated.

Results: At the specified time, the anti-HIV positivity prevalence was 0.14%. When we compared the absolute CD4 count and CD4/CD8 ratio before and after treatment, we found that both values increased significantly after treatment in the control tests performed in the follow-up of the treatment process. Of the 276 people who underwent HIV RNA testing, 154 (55.80%) were found to be positive. A significant relationship was found between HIV-RNA positivity prevalence and gender. The prevalence of HIV-RNA positive patients was higher in men.

Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the HIV RNA positive prevalence, the absolute CD4, and the CD4/CD8 ratio in Samsun. Our results will aid in the management of HIV patients.