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CD4 Counts and Viral Loads of Newly Diagnosed HIV-Infected Individuals: Implications for Treatment as Prevention.
- Source :
- PLoS ONE; Mar2014, Vol. 9 Issue 3, p1-6, 6p
- Publication Year :
- 2014
-
Abstract
- Objective: To report the viral load and CD4 count in HIV-infected, antiretroviral naïve, first -time HIV-testers, not immediately eligible for treatment initiation by current South Africa treatment guidelines. Design: This was a cross-sectional study in a high-volume, free-of-charge HIV testing centre in Soweto, South Africa. Methods: We enrolled first time HIV testers and collected demographic and risk-behaviour data and measured CD4 count and viral load. Results: Between March and October 2011, a total of 4793 adults attended VCT and 1062 (22%) tested positive. Of the 1062, 799 (75%) were ART naïve and 348/799 (44%) were first-time HIV testers. Of this group of 348, 225 (65%) were female. Overall their median age, CD4 count and viral load was 34 years (IQR: 28-41), 364 (IQR: 238-542) cells/mm<superscript>3</superscript> and 13,000 (IQR: 2050-98171) copies/ml, respectively. Female first time HIV testers had higher CD4 counts (419 IQR: 262-582 vs. 303 IQR: 199-418 cells/mm<superscript>3</superscript>) and lower viral loads (9,100 vs. 34,000 copies/ml) compared to males. Of 183 participants with CD4 count >350 cells/mm<superscript>3</superscript>, 62 (34%) had viral loads > 10,000 copies/ml. Conclusions: A large proportion of HIV infected adults not qualifying for immediate ART at the CD4 count threshold of 350 cells/mm<superscript>3</superscript> have high viral loads. HIV-infected men at their first HIV diagnosis are more likely to have lower CD4 counts and higher viral loads than women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 19326203
- Volume :
- 9
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- PLoS ONE
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 95435844
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090754