Reference Values of CD4-Lymphocyte Counts in HIV Seronegative Pregnant Women in Buea, Cameroon

Pregnancy is a physiologically immunocompromised state, during which alterations in T-lymphocyte subsets may occur. Reference values for CD4 counts in pregnancy have not been established particularly in sub-Saharan populations. This study aimed at describing expected (‘normal’) values of CD4 counts in healthy HIV-negative pregnant women so these could serve as reference for assessing the progress of HIV disease in HIV-infected pregnant women. The study was conducted in antenatal clinics in the Buea Health District, Cameroon. All eligible women were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. Whole blood samples collected were tested for HIV using Determine 1/2 and SD Bioline HIV-1/2 3.0 rapid tests. The CD4+ absolute counts were assessed using the Partec Cyflow Counter and the CD4 easy count kit. A total of 279 women were analysed. Their ages ranged from 15 to 47 years. A vast majority (95%) of participants were in the second or third trimester of gestation. Slightly less than half (43%) were primiparous. The CD4 cell count ranged from 321 to 1808 cells/μl . This distribution was approximately normal with a mean of 851cells/μl, a median of 831cells/μl , and a standard deviation of 254cells/μl . The expected (‘normal’) range, covering 95% of the sample was 438-1532 cells/μl. Participants with malaria parasitaemia tended to have a lower CD4 count (lower on average by 115 cells/μl, P<0.001). CD4 cell counts in HIV-negative pregnant women appear similar to those of the general population of HIV-negatives. These values can thus be used as references when assessing HIV-seropositive pregnant women.