Viral load and CD4+ cell count of HIV-1 seropositive subjects on antiretroviral therapy in relation to PT and PTTK

Background: The advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has revolutionized HIV treatment, suppressing viral replication and preserving CD4+ T cell counts. Understanding the interplay between viral load, CD4+ cell counts, and coagulation parameters like prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTTK) is crucial for optimizing HIV management and addressing potential clotting complications in ART-treated individuals. Aim: The study assessed the viral load and CD4+ cell count in HIV-1 positive individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART), correlating with prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTTK) at the Federal Medical Centre in Lokoja, Kogi State. Methods: A cohort of 200 subjects aged 14 to 65 was randomly assigned to four groups: 100 on ART Type-1 (Zidovudine + Lamivudine + Nevirapine), 30 on ART Type-2 (Lamivudine + Efavirenz + Tenofovir), 50 ART-naïve, and 20 HIV-negative controls. Viral load was determined via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), CD4+ cell count via flow cytometry, and PT/PTTK via assay. Results: The outcome of the study revealed significantly (P=0.015) higher CD4+ cell counts in ART-Type 1 and ART-Type 2 groups compared to ART-naïve, except for the HIV-negative control. Significant (P=0.013) differences in PT were observed among ART groups and controls. Similarly, PTTK showed significant (P= 0.006) differences between ART groups and HIV-negative controls. Significant correlations were observed: PT with PTTK (p = 0.001) and inversely with CD4 count (p = 0.001), and CD4 counts inversely with viral load (p = 0.004). Conclusion: ART-treated HIV+ individuals show higher CD4+ counts and favorable coagulation profiles. Integrating PT/PTTK monitoring in ART management is recommended.