Full Length Research Paper

Sero-prevalance of anti-R7V antibody in HIV infected patients in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria

Yusuf, K. M.¹, Shugaba, A.², Az zubair, M. K.¹ and Agwale, S.³

¹National Biotechnology Development Agency, No. 16 Dunukofia Street, Former C.A.C. Building, Area 11, Abuja Nigeria.

²Department of Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria.

³Innovative Biotech Limited Abdu Abubakar Street, Opposite New keffi Hotel, Keffi, Nasarraawa State.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: kabiryusuf@yahoo.com. Tel.: +234-08055122330. Fax: 09-3145472.

Accepted 3 November, 2009

   Abstract

Studies in some parts of the world have shown that Anti-R7V antibodies, which neutralize 100% of the different variant’s panel (targeted against a beta2-microglobulin epitope acquired when the virus is released by budding) in vitro, are found in 30 to 50% of naïve HIV positive patients, but even more in so-called “long-term survivor’’ patients with a close to 90% correlation. The seroprevalence of Anti-R7V antibody was therefore investigated in HIV patients attending clinic within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and compared with HIV negative patients. Correlation between the presence of the antibody and the clinical status of patients was also investigated. The HIV positive patients were categorized into drug naïve and drug experienced subjects and their Anti-R7V antibody together with CD4 counts were determined using Anti-R7V ELISA kits and BD FACS count, respectively. About 47.2% of the HIV-infected patients tested positive for the Anti-R7V antibody while 25.2% were negative for this antibody. Patients with Anti-R7V antibody had a mean CD4 count (355 ± 19.2) significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of Anti-R7V antibody negative patients (215 ± 42.6). Also it was observed that Anti-R7V antibody was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in drug experienced patients as compared to drug naïve patients. The significance of these findings is discussed. It was concluded that Anti-R7V antibody may be a natural immunity against HIV-infection in drug naïve HIV patients and that the synthesis and release of this antibody may decrease with ARD treatment.

Key words: HIV, AIDS, anti-R7V antibodies, Nigeria, CD4 count.