Title of article :
Viral load, CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts and antibody titres in HIV-1 infected untreated children in Kenya; implication for immunodeficiency and AIDS progression.
Author/Authors :
Ochieng, Washingtone Department of Virology and Immunology - German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg, Germany , Ogoyi, Dorington Department of Biochemistry - University of Nairobi, Kenya , Mulaa, Francis J Department of Biochemistry - University of Nairobi, Kenya , Ogola, Simon Nyumbani Hospice for HIV Orphaned Children, Nairobi, Kenya , Musoke, Rachel Department of Paediatrics - University of Nairobi, Kenya , Otsyula, Moses G Virology Division - Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya
Pages :
11
From page :
3
To page :
13
Abstract :
Background: There are limited reports on HIV-1 RNA load, CD4+ T-lymphocytes and antibody responses in relation to disease progression in HIV-1 infected untreated children in Africa. Methods:To describe the relationships between these parameters, we conducted a longitudinal cohort study involving 51 perinatally HIV-1 infected children aged between 1 and 13 years. HIV status was determined by ELISA and confirmed by western blot and PCR. Antibodies were quantified by limiting dilution ELISA, plasma HIV-1 RNA load by RT-PCR and CD4+ T-lymphocytes by FACSCount. Results: Asymptomatic and symptomatic disease had, respectively, a rise in median HIV-1 RNA load from 1,195 to 132,543 and from 42,962 to 1,109,281 copies/ml in children below 6 years. The increase in viral load was 10-fold higher for asymptomatic compared to other categories and 2-fold faster for children less than 6 years than those above. Similarly, symptomatic children below 6 years had initial median CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts of 647 (22%) cells/μL, declining to 378 (20%) while those above 6 years had initial values of below 335 (15%) but which increased to 428 (17%). Median viral load correlated significantly with median CD4+ T-lymphocyte percentage in children above 6 years (p=0.026) but not below. Conclusions:Viral load is lower in older than younger children and correlates significantly with percentage CD4+ T-lymphocytes. Survival by HIV-1 infected children requires a competent immune response early in infection to counter the rapidly replicating virus. Interventions aimed at boosting the naïve immune system may prolong survival in these children. Running title: HIV load, CD4+ cells and antibodies in children
Keywords :
HIV , progression , immune response , threshold , untreated children , Africa.
Journal title :
African Health Sciences
Serial Year :
2006
Journal title :
African Health Sciences
Record number :
2633401
Link To Document :
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