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Immunohematological reference ranges for adults from the Central African Republic
Didier Menard1, Marie Joelle Mandeng, Mesmin Bem Tothy
1Institut Pasteur de Bangui, Bangui, Central African Republic. didier.menard@laposte.net
Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology
|May 10, 2003
Summary
Hematological reference ranges for healthy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative adults in the Central African Republic were established. Findings indicate lower white blood cell and hemoglobin levels, and reduced CD4/CD8 T-cell ratios compared to European norms.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Establishing accurate hematological reference ranges is crucial for diagnosing and managing various health conditions.
- Existing reference ranges may not be universally applicable, particularly in diverse geographical and ethnic populations.
- The Central African Republic (CAR) lacks specific hematological reference ranges for its healthy adult population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the immunohematological reference ranges for healthy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative adults in the CAR.
- To compare these established ranges with those currently used in the CAR and with European reference values.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted on 150 healthy, HIV-negative adults residing in the CAR.
- Immunohematological parameters including leukocyte (WBC), erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lymphocyte, CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, and CD4/CD8 T-cell ratios were measured.
- Mean values, medians, and 95th-percentile reference ranges were calculated for both males and females.
Main Results:
- Established mean values for males and females, including leukocyte counts (5.28/5.11 x 10^9/L), erythrocyte counts (5.20/4.50 x 10^12/L), hemoglobin (15.1/12.5 g/dL), and hematocrit (45%/37%).
- Lymphocyte counts (2,587/2,466/µL), CD4 T cells (927/940/µL), CD8 T cells (898/716/µL), and CD4/CD8 T-cell ratios (1.13/1.41) were also determined.
- WBC and hemoglobin values in CAR adults were lower than current CAR reference values. CD4 T-cell counts were similar to Europeans, but CD8 T-cell counts were significantly higher, resulting in reduced CD4/CD8 ratios.
Conclusions:
- The established hematological reference ranges for healthy, HIV-negative adults in the CAR differ from currently used values, particularly for WBC and hemoglobin.
- Absolute CD4 T-cell counts are comparable to European populations, but significantly higher CD8 T-cell counts lead to lower CD4/CD8 T-cell ratios in the CAR population.
- These findings highlight the need for population-specific reference ranges in clinical diagnostics and research within the CAR.