Viral load, CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts and antibody titres in HIV-1 infected untreated children in Kenya; implication for immunodeficiency and AIDS progression

摘要: Background : There are limited reports on HIV-1 RNA load, CD4+ T-lymphocytes and antibody responses in relation to disease progression infected untreated children Africa. Methods To describe the relationships between these parameters, we conducted a longitudinal cohort study involving 51 perinatally aged 1 13 years. HIV status was determined by ELISA confirmed western blot PCR. Antibodies were quantified limiting dilution ELISA, plasma load RT-PCR FACSCount. Results Asymptomatic symptomatic had, respectively, rise median from 1,195 132,543 42,962 1,109,281 copies/ml below 6 The increase viral 10-fold higher for asymptomatic compared other categories 2-fold faster less than years those above. Similarly, had initial T-lymphocyte counts of 647 (22%) cells/μL, declining 378 (20%) while above values 335 (15%) but which increased 428 (17%). Median correlated significantly with percentage (p=0.026) not below. Conclusions Viral is lower older younger correlates T-lymphocytes. Survival requires competent immune response early infection counter rapidly replicating virus. Interventions aimed at boosting naive system may prolong survival children. African Health Sciences Vol. 6(1) 2006: 3-13