Haematological Indices and Absolute CD4 Counts of Apparently Healthy Population in Ondo State, Nigeria

Aims: This study was designed and conducted to establish the normal values of various
haematological indices and CD4 absolute count for apparently healthy adult in Ondo State, and to
compare these values with those obtained for other populations in both tropical and western
countries.
Study Design: Cross sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Haematology and the global HIV/AIDS Initiative Nigeria
(GHAIN), Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo. Nigeria between July 2013 and June 2014.
Methodology: Haematological indices and absolute CD4 count were determined in four hundred and
eighty one (481) apparently healthy individuals whose ages ranged between 20–50 years, were
randomly recruited into this study from the Haematology department, Federal Medical Centre, Owo.
Results: The mean blood levels of HCT, RBC, HB and MONO were significantly lower in female
subjects compared with male subjects. Also, the mean blood levels of HCT, RBC and HGB were
significantly lower while the mean blood level of Retics and ESR were significantly higher with
decrease in age group. The comparative values for males and females in this study were also
compared with previous established baseline values in Nigeria, Kenya and US.
Conclusion: This study was able to establish normal reference values for hematological indices and
CD4 counts in apparently normal adults in Ondo State, Nigeria. This range could be useful as a basis
for making some clinical decisions and also in enrolling HIV patients into the ART program when
absolute CD4 counts are considered.