THE EFFECT OF CD4 COUNT LEVEL ON THE MIDDLE EAR DYNAMICS OF HIV INFECTED PATIENTS

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• HIV infection is a multisystemic disease linked to hearing loss.
• Middle ear pathology is a potential complication of HIV infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare middle ear dynamics in HIV-infected versus non-HIV-infected individuals.
• To investigate the effect of HIV on middle ear function using tympanometry.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the HIV Clinic of University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
• Tympanometry was performed on adult patients (18-45 years) with confirmed HIV infection and a control group without HIV.
• Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to all participants.

Main Results:

• A preponderance of type "B" tympanograms was observed in HIV-infected individuals.
• A significant correlation was found between CD4 cell count and type "B" tympanograms (P = 0.03).
• CD4 cell count indicated HIV severity, while type "B" tympanograms suggested middle ear effusion.

Conclusions:

• Middle ear effusion is identified as the primary cause of middle ear pathology in the HIV-infected population.
• Tympanometry is a valuable tool for detecting middle ear effusion in HIV patients.