Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Preparation of CD4+ T Cells for Analysis of GD3 and GD2 Ganglioside Membrane Expression by Microscopy
Published on: November 8, 2016
Screening of blood donors for idiopathic CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia
M P Busch1, J E Valinsky, T Paglieroni
1Irwin Memorial Blood Centers, San Francisco, California.
Insights
Low CD4+ T-cell counts are rare in blood donors negative for HIV-1 and typically indicate transient illness, not a new virus. Screening by CD4+ count is ineffective for detecting unknown transfusion-transmitted viruses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Idiopathic CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia (ICL) raised concerns about transfusion-transmitted immunodeficiency viruses.
- The study addresses the prevalence and significance of low CD4+ T-cell counts in blood donors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the frequency and implications of low CD4+ T-cell counts among human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-negative blood donors.
- To assess if low CD4+ T-cell counts could serve as a marker for novel transfusion-transmitted viruses.
Main Methods:
- Compiled CD4+ T-cell data from 2030 HIV-1 antibody-negative blood donors.
- Recalled donors with CD4+ counts below ICL cutoffs (<300 cells/microL or <20%) for follow-up.
- Reviewed serial CD4+ data from HIV-1 seroconverters and infected blood donors.
Main Results:
- 0.25% of HIV-1-negative donors had CD4+ counts below ICL cutoffs; follow-up revealed normal immune function and no HIV/HTLV infections.
- Four of five donors with low CD4+ counts reported recent transient illnesses.
- Among HIV-1-infected donors, 24% had CD4+ counts below ICL cutoffs 1-2 years post-seropositivity.
Conclusions:
- Low CD4+ T-cell counts are uncommon in HIV-1-negative blood donors and usually linked to temporary conditions.
- CD4+ T-cell count screening is not a reliable method for detecting unknown viruses with a slow progression similar to HIV-1.
Background:
The recent recognition of idiopathic CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia (ICL) had led to concern that an unknown immunodeficiency virus may be transmissible by transfusion.
Study Design And Methods:
To evaluate the prevalence and significance of low CD4+ values among blood donors, CD4+ data on 2030 blood donors who were negative for antibody to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) were compiled. Those with CD4+ values below ICL cutoffs (< 300 CD4+ T cells/microL, or < 20% CD4+ T cells) were recalled for follow-up investigations. Serial CD4+ data on 55 homosexual men who seroconverted during prospective follow-up and data on 139 anti-HIV-1-positive blood donors initially evaluated in 1986 were reviewed as well.
Results:
Five seronegative donors (0.25%) had absolute CD4+ counts < 300 cells per microL and/or < 20 percent. On follow-up, all five donors had immunologic findings within normal ranges, lacked HIV risk factors, and tested negative for HIV types 1 and 2 and human T-lymphotropic virus type I and II infections by antibody and polymerase chain reaction assays. Four of five donors reported transient illness shortly after their low CD4+ count donations. The median interval from HIV-1 seroconversion to an initial CD4+ value below ICL CD4+ cutoffs was 63 months for infected homosexual men. Of 139 HIV-1-infected blood donors studied 1 to 2 years after seropositive donations, 34 (24%) had CD4+ counts < 300 cells per microL and/or < 20 percent.
Conclusion:
Low CD4+ counts are rare among anti-HIV-1-negative volunteer blood donors and are generally associated with transient illnesses. If any unknown virus progresses similarly to HIV-1, CD4+ count donor screening would be a poor surrogate for its detection.
More Related Videos
07:39Isolation of CD4+ T-cells and Analysis of Circulating T-follicular Helper (cTfh) Cell Subsets from Peripheral Blood Using 6-color Flow Cytometry
Published on: January 7, 2019
06:07Monitoring PD-1-Blocking Antibodies Bound to T Cells Derived from a Drop of Peripheral Blood
Published on: February 5, 2020