Haematological Parameters of HIV-Infected Subjects Attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is associated with diverse haematological abnormalities that may complicate disease progression and affect treatment outcomes. Objective - To evaluate the haematological parameters of HIV-infected subjects attending the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria, and compare them with those of Non-infected controls. Methods: A total of 90 participants were recruited, comprising 45 HIV-infected subjects on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and 45 HIV-negative controls. Blood samples were analyzed using a Mindray BC-2800 auto-analyzer to determine red cell indices, white blood cell counts, and platelet parameters. Data were statistically analyzed, and significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: HIV-infected subjects had a significantly lower mean red blood cell count (4.42 ± 0.49 ×10¹²/L vs. 4.81 ± 0.52 ×10¹²/L, p < 0.001) and MCHC (332.90 ± 16.00 g/L vs. 343.50 ± 6.90 g/L, p < 0.001) compared with controls. Conversely, mean corpuscular volume (86.12 ± 7.97 fl vs. 76.29 ± 5.59 fl, p < 0.001), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (28.62 ± 2.68 pg vs. 26.16 ± 2.03 pg, p < 0.001), and RDW-SD (49.25 ± 5.83 fl vs. 41.89 ± 3.51 fl, p < 0.001) were significantly higher among HIV subjects. Total WBC and neutrophil counts were significantly elevated in HIV subjects compared to controls (p = 0.044 and p = 0.012, respectively). Platelet counts were also higher in HIV-infected participants (p < 0.001), while MPV was significantly lower (p = 0.040). Conclusion: HIV infection is associated with significant alterations in haematological parameters, particularly red cell indices, WBC, and platelet profiles. Routine haematological monitoring remains crucial for early detection of complications and improved management of HIV-infected individuals.