Spectrum of opportunistic infections in relation to CD4 counts in HIV/AIDS patients admitted in the department of general medicine of a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS was first recognized in USA in 1981 when centre for disease control (CDC) reported unexplained occurrence of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in 5 healthy homosexuals. Soon it was recognized in drug abusers and blood transfusion recipients. The present study has been taken up with an aim to know the incidence of various opportunistic infections in HIV positive patients and to correlate different opportunistic infections (OIs) with the CD4+cellcount.Methods: Sample of 132 cases admitted in Gandhi hospital during the study period were taken. CD4+ counting of blood samples was done by Flow cytometry as per manufacturer’s instructions (FACS Calibur, Becton- Dickinson, Immunocytometry system). Correlation of CD4 cell counts was done with the respective opportunistic infections.Results: TB (50%) is the most frequent OI followed by candidiasis (49%), pneumocystis (16%) and others. The mean CD4 cell count in TB was 110.80/mL and in candidiasis 97.84/mL. Low values were observed in CMV (27/mL) and in toxoplasmosis (61.66/mL).Conclusions: In most of the patient’s respiratory system was the most common system involved by OIs and had CD4 T cell count below 200/mL. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of opportunistic infections is important. This study helps the clinicians in proper guidance to come up before development of severe immunodeficiency to prevent serious and fatal outcome.