First report on leucocytes cell population data as an applicable test for clinical stratification in people living with HIV.

BACKGROUND

Leucocytes cell population data (CPD) parameters have been applied in diagnosis and prognosis of viral infections. We aim to explore pattern of leucocytes CPD in people living with HIV (PLWH) and its role in clinical stratification.

METHODS

This study included treatment-naïve PLWH and healthy control. Clinical HIV stages were determined. Laboratory assessment was conducted using complete blood picture, CPD, CD4+ T cells count, and HIV RNA testing. Correlation between CPD with CD4+ and HIV RNA was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 125 were recruited; 70 cases and 55 control. Age and gender were not significantly different. WHO stage 3 was predominant at 34.29% and half of PLWH had advanced HIV. CPD parameters of neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes composition were significantly higher in PLWH. Parameters of neutrophils nucleic acid contents, lymphocytes dispersion of nucleic acid contents, and both neutrophils and lymphocytes size were significantly higher in PLWH. CD4+ T cells count positively correlated with WBCs, lymphocytes and monocytes count and size, but negatively correlated with lymphocytes composition, nucleic acid contents, and size, and both monocytes and neutrophils composition and nucleic acid contents. Viral load negatively correlated with neutrophils size.

CONCLUSION

CPD can be a cost-effective quantitative tool reflecting immune depletion in HIV. By decoding these parameters, clinicians can stratify PLWH risk of disease progression beyond CD4+ T cells count and viral load.