Protein Status and CD4+ Cell Count in HIV Patients on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy

Background of Study: Malnutrition is associated with repeated opportunistic infections, rapid disease progression, and an increase in the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related mortality. The ability of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in boosting the immune system depends on the nutritional status of the HIV patient. Aim: The study aimed at investigating the protein status and CD4+ cell counts in HIV patients taking highly active ART. Materials and Methods: The case-control study comprising of a total of 80 participants, compared the protein status and CD4+ cell count among baseline (ART-naïve n=20), switch (ART-resistant n=20), ART follow-up (n=20) patients, and apparently healthy controls (n=20). Results: The total protein of baseline patients was significantly (P<0.01) higher than that of the switch, follow-up, and controls. The CD4+ cell count of baseline patients was significantly (P=0.000) low compared to follow-up patients and controls. Total protein level and CD4+ cell count of switch patients were significantly (P=0.000) lower than that of follow-up patients and controls. Total protein of follow-up patients was significantly (P<0.02) higher than that of controls, while the CD4+ cell count of follow-up patients was significantly (P=0.000) lower than that of controls. Conclusion: The present study observed low protein along with low CD4+ cell count in switch patients, while a good outcome was observed in follow up patients.