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Reference ranges for lymphocyte subsets in a defined Malaysian population
J S Dhaliwal1, T Balasubramaniam, C K Quek
1Division of Immunology Institute for Medical Research Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Singapore Medical Journal
|June 1, 1995
Summary
This study established lymphocyte subset reference ranges in Malaysians, finding no significant racial differences in percentages. However, absolute counts for CD4 and CD19 cells were lower in the Chinese population compared to others.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Population Health
Background:
- Establishing accurate reference ranges for lymphocyte subsets is crucial for diagnosing immune deficiencies and monitoring treatment.
- Previous studies have indicated potential variations in lymphocyte subsets across different ethnic groups, necessitating population-specific data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine reference ranges for lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD56+CD16) in a Malaysian population.
- To investigate potential inter-racial differences in these lymphocyte subset values among Malay, Chinese, and Indian ethnic groups.
- To compare findings with existing data from other populations, particularly regarding Natural Killer (NK) cells.
Main Methods:
- Immunophenotyping of peripheral blood samples from 152 healthy Malaysian subjects representing Malay, Chinese, and Indian ethnicities.
- Analysis of lymphocyte subsets including CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, and CD56+CD16.
- Statistical analysis to compare percentages and absolute counts across racial groups.
Main Results:
- Reference ranges for lymphocyte subsets were established for the Malaysian population (e.g., CD3: 66.5 +/- 8.6%, CD4: 33.2 +/- 8.5%, CD8: 31.6 +/- 8.9%, CD19: 12.0 +/- 0%, CD56+CD16: 20.9 +/- 9%).
- No significant differences were observed in the percentage of lymphocyte subsets among the three racial groups.
- Absolute counts of CD4 and CD19 cells were significantly lower in the Chinese group compared to Indian and Malay groups, respectively.
- The percentage of Natural Killer (NK) cells was found to be higher in this Malaysian population compared to Caucasian populations.
Conclusions:
- The study provides essential lymphocyte subset reference ranges for the Malaysian population.
- While percentages are similar, absolute counts of certain lymphocyte subsets (CD4, CD19) show significant inter-racial variations.
- The higher NK cell percentage in Malaysians warrants further investigation and may have implications for immunological studies and clinical practice.