Clinical Reference Ranges for a Rural Population in Kericho, Kenya
Author Information
Author(s): Kibaya Rukia S., Bautista Christian T., Sawe Frederick K., Shaffer Douglas N., Sateren Warren B., Scott Paul T., Michael Nelson L., Robb Merlin L., Birx Deborah L., de Souza Mark S.
Primary Institution: Walter Reed Project, U. S. Military HIV Research Program, Kericho, Kenya
Hypothesis
The study aims to develop region-specific clinical reference ranges for laboratory tests in a rural population in Kenya to support HIV vaccine trials.
Conclusion
The study establishes the first clinical reference ranges for a highland community in Kenya, highlighting significant differences compared to North American populations.
Supporting Evidence
- The median CD4+ T cell count for the group was 810 cells/µl.
- Kenyan subjects had lower median hemoglobin concentrations compared to North Americans.
- There were significant gender differences for both red and white blood cell parameters.
- Clinical chemistry reference ranges were comparable to those from the USA, with some exceptions.
Takeaway
This study found that the normal blood test values for people in Kericho, Kenya, are different from those in the US, which is important for treating and studying HIV.
Methodology
Lymphocyte immunophenotyping and hematology were performed on 1293 HIV seronegative participants, with clinical chemistry tests on up to 1541 individuals.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of febrile, pregnant, or HIV seropositive individuals from the study.
Limitations
The study did not include a stool parasitologic survey for intestinal helminths, which may affect eosinophil counts.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 18 to 55 years, predominantly from the Kalenjin, Kisii, Luo, and Luhya tribes.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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