H1N1, HIV+ people with low CD4 count at higher risk

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1 September 2009 PUNE: National AIDS Research Institute (NARI) director Ramesh

Paranjape on Monday said that HIV positive patients with a low CD4 count and

irregular antiretroviral therapy might be at a higher risk to develop

complications if they contract the H1N1 virus.

Speaking to TOI, Paranjape further said that the advisory for HIV patients

issued by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) was awaited. The city

has already reported a death of a patient co-infected with H1N1 virus and HIV.

CD4 is a type of glucose found in human white blood cells which helps fight

certain infections. " Immuno-suppressed people, including those with a low CD4

count and no antiretroviral therapy, experience more severe complications of the

seasonal influenza. It is possible that these HIV positive people will also be

at a higher risk for H1N1 influenza-related complications, " Sanjay Pujari,

director of the Institute of Infectious Diseases (IID), said. This is based on

early anecdotal reports, he added.

" People suffering from leukaemia might also be prone to greater risk if they

contract the H1N1 virus, " Pujari said. " Since patients belonging to these

categories have low levels of immunity because of the diseases from which they

are already suffering, they also become prone to other viral infections like

H1N1, " the IID director added.

Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad have five ART centres run by the respective civic

bodies. There are also five linked centres in the city. Sandesh Thorat,

president of the Maharashtra State AIDS Control Employees' Federation, said,

" The ART centres in Pune have over 10,000 registered HIV positive patients. Of

these, 90 per cent come for treatment regularly. So there is not much reason to

worry. Secondly, the counsellors at the centres also talk to the patients about

the precautions that they need to take against H1N1 flu. "

Outlining the precautionary measures, Pujari said, " People who are HIV positive

should follow the same cough etiquette, social distancing and hand hygiene

measures as any other person. They should visit their hospital even if they show

mild symptoms. And there is nothing to worry. "

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