Baseline characteristics and immunological response to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-2 patients

 

 

Abstract              Background: HIV-2 differs from HIV-1 as it is associated with lower viral load levels and slower rates of CD4 decline and clinical progression compared with HIV-1. Aim: To study baseline characteristics and immunological response to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-2 patients. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included HIV-2 patients who visited ART centre in tertiary care hospital through SACEP and / or HIV-2 patients admitted in the medical wards and who were documented HIV-2 reactive with western blot confirmation. Every 6 monthly CD4 counts of all patients were noted. Immunological response to ART was evaluated during the course of study period. Results: Median baseline CD4 count of study population was 211 (123.7-303.2 cells /μl). The immunological response to ART after 6 months and after 12 months of starting ART was analysed in 164 patients. An increase in median CD4 count from baseline at 6 months (+102.5 cells /μl) and at 12 months (+135 cells /μl) was observed. Conclusion: An increase in median CD4 count at 6 months and 12 months from the baseline median CD4 count was observed. The response to ART and the pattern of resistance to ART is unique; and further studies should be carried out for the same.

Key Words: HIV-2, CD4 count, ART treatment, Immunological response