Determination of CD4+ cell count and Viral Load in HIV-positive patients as possible indicators of ART effectiveness

The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among patients formerly naïve to treatment leads to suppression of HIV replication and CD4+ cell count recovery. The global response to end Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) by 2030 is critically dependent on effective viral load (VL) monitoring and management cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4+) cell count recovery after initiation of ART is a potential indicator of HIV patient’s clinical outcome and an increase in CD4+ cell count indicates a favourable outcome related with both AIDS and non–AIDS-related conditions and the improvement in life expectancy. Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential for suppressing viral replication, enhancing immune function, and reducing morbidity and mortality rates. In conclusion, CD4+ cell count failed to recover in a substantial proportion of patients initiating ART in this resource-limited setting. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches, with good access to CD4+ cell count monitoring and a focus on those at greatest risk, are needed to maximize CD4+ cell count recovery and improve outcomes during therapy. VL suppression was low among the patients. Health promotion activities are needed for people who have been suppressed to maintain and achieve a lifetime undetectable VL, targeting the younger age group.