Staging and haematological abnormalities of HIV-infected persons in Mangaung in the Free State Province, South Africa
Groenewald, A.J.; Walsh, C.M.; Van Wyk, H.J.; Van Zyl, S.; Van der Merwe, L.J.
African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine 4(1)
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 2071-2928 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v4i1.462Document Number: 228163
The prevalence of HIV in specific areas of South Africa and its impact on haematological parameters are largely unknown. To (1) describe the prevalence of HIV, stage HIV based on CD4 counts, and determine haematological parameters amongst participants in Mangaung, Free State Province.Blood specimens were obtained from 419 participants in formal and informal settlements in Mangaung. Participants were 25 64 years of age; 23.4% were male. Males and females were a mean of 45.1 and 44.3 years of age, respectively. Screening for HIV status was performed. Positive results were confirmed by a second test. Full blood counts were performed on all participants, and CD4 counts only on HIV-positive serum. The overall prevalence of HIV was 40.8%. The highest prevalence occurred in the 31 40 years age group, with 38.4% of females and 39.5% of males being infected. More than 33% of HIV-uninfected participants were 51 60 years of age. No significant change in CD4 count with age was observed, probably because 19.1% of the 225 respondents who reported using medication were receiving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. Haematological results showed that HIV-infected participants had significantly reduced values for haemoglobin, leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes, compared to HIV-uninfected participants. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was significantly higher in HIV-infected participants. A high prevalence of HIV-infection was found. Anaemia and significantly reduced white blood cell counts were observed in the HIV-infected group. No significant change in CD4 counts with age was observed and could possibly be attributed to ARV therapy.