Comparison of Total White Blood Cells and Lymphocytes Between Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

To determine and compare WBC and lymphocyte distribution between pregnant and non-pregnant women with HIV infection.Thirty-six pregnant HIV infected adult women not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were compared with equal number of non-pregnant HIV infected women of similar characteristics. WBC and lymphocyte counts were obtained using a Coulter AcT5 five-part differential analyzer while lymphocytes cell subsets were done using a flow-cytometer. Statistical evaluations and comparisons between variables were by non-parametric computerized measures. Significance of the results was set at P<0.05. No statistically significant differences were found in the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the study participants (P>0.299). Significant difference were observed in the total WBC (P=0.001), percentage lymphocyte counts, absolute and percent CD4 cell counts (P=0.004 and P=0.005 respectively) and CD4/CD8 ratio. Immune status of Pregnant HIV infected women is characterized of leucocytosis with lymhocytopenia and stable CD4 counts compared to nonpregnant HIV infected women. Larger Studies with more robust designs to confirm the present study findings.