Assessment of CD4, CD8 and White Cell Parameters Amongst HIV Seronegative Pregnant Subjects in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Pregnancy involves maternal immunological adjustments to accommodate the fetus and maintain a strong immune defense against potential pathogens. The present study evaluated the changes in CD4, CD8, white blood cell (WBC) and total lymphocyte count (TLC) amongst HIV seronegative pregnant subjects in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A total of 302 female subjects (18-39 years) were recruited for the study. They consisted of 205 pregnant subjects and 97 non-pregnant subjects which served as the control. All subjects were screened for HIV type 1 and type 2 using standard test kits. Total and differential white blood cell counts were determined using a haematology auto analyzer while the total lymphocyte count (TLC) was obtained by multiplying total white blood cell count (TWC) with percentage lymphocyte count. The CD4 and CD8 cell counts were analyzed using the automated flow cytometry analyzer while the CD4:CD8 cell count ratio was obtained by dividing the CD4 cell count value by that of CD8. The result of the study shows a statistically significant decrease in CD4 and CD8 cell counts, lymphocyte and total lymphocyte counts and an increase in neutrophil count in all the trimesters of pregnancy when compared to the non-pregnant control (p<0.05). Also, there was a significant increase in WBC during the third trimester and a similar decrease in monocyte count in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. The evidence from the present study concludes that pregnancy modifies the maternal immune response to ensure fetal survival and the protection of the mother from invading pathogens as reported in the increase in total WBC, neutrophil and monocyte counts and a reduction in TLC, CD4 and CD8 counts. The study recommends routine assessments of these crucial cellular immune markers for pregnant women during antenatal visits.