Affordable Flow Cytometry for Counting CD4+ T-Lymphocytes in HIV Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Zijenah Lynn S, Kadzirange Gerard, Madzime Simon, Borok Margaret, Mudiwa Chiedza, Tobaiwa Ocean, Mucheche Mary, Rusakaniko Simbarashe, Katzenstein David A
Primary Institution: University of Zimbabwe
Hypothesis
Can Cyflow cytometry accurately enumerate absolute CD4+ T-lymphocytes in HIV-1 infected adults compared to FACSCount?
Conclusion
The Cyflow counter is as accurate as the FACSCount in enumerating absolute CD4+ T-lymphocytes in the range 1–1200 cells/μL.
Supporting Evidence
- The Cyflow counter identified 26 out of 27 subjects with CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts ≤200 cells/μL.
- There was a very strong correlation (R = 0.991) between CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts obtained by FACSCount and Cyflow.
- The mean difference in CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts between the two methods was 1.21 cells/μL.
Takeaway
This study shows that a cheaper machine can count important immune cells in people with HIV just as well as a more expensive one.
Methodology
The study evaluated the Cyflow cytometry method against FACSCount for counting CD4+ T-lymphocytes in 150 HIV-1 seropositive subjects.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a specific resource-limited setting, which may not generalize to all populations.
Participant Demographics
Participants included HIV-1 seropositive adults, with specimens collected from pregnant women and AIDS patients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: -2.1 to 3.3
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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