Immune Dysfunction in HIV infected stroke patients: Role of low CD₄ counts

Abstract

Whether or not low CD4 count directly contributes to stroke among HIV infected stroke patients is yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to ascertain the role of low CD4 count in the pathophysiology of stroke in HIV infection. This was a hospital-based, case-control study. Sixty five (65) consecutive stroke patients (36 males and 29 females) aged 20-68 years and sixty five (65) age-and-sex matched controls were enrolled. A structured questionnaire was administered. Neurological examination was performed and computed tomography scan of the brain done. Blood samples were taken for HIV 1&2 screening using ELISA method. Positive test using two different kits constituted a positive result. CD4 count was determined by western blot method. The mean CD4 count of HIV positive stroke patients (224.92 cells/cm 3

Stroke in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected Individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): A Systematic Review

“…HIV-infected stroke patients in SSA are predominantly young, with median age ranging from 32 to 43 years 10,11,19,21,22 . There was a slight male predominance, with most studies reporting a male:female sex ratio in the range of 0.5–1.5:1.0 10,19,22,23 .…”

“…HIV-infected stroke patients tended to present with advanced HIV disease. Median CD4 counts at presentation ranged from 108–214 cells/μl 19,23,25 . Historically, and consistent with trends in ART distribution in the region, most patients were ART-naïve at the time of presentation.…”

Risk Factors for Stroke Associated with HIV at Loandjili General Hospital in Pointe-Noire (Congo)

“…A few authors have reported that HIV infection is a contributing factor in around 25% of stroke cases in Africa. The pathophysiology of HIV infection is in favor of chronic inflammation by increasing the risk of vasculitis, thrombi and various abnormalities predisposing to hypercoagulation [10][11][12]; iii) Finally, the difference observed between different studies and ours may be due to the sensitivity of the tests used and the methodology applied.…”