A rapid manual method for CD4+ T-cell quantitation for use in developing countries.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a manual method (Cytosphere) for quantifying CD4+ T-cell numbers.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study of HIV-1-seronegative and HIV-1-seropositive individuals evaluated for absolute CD4 counts by both standardized flow cytometric measurements and manual Cytosphere technology using a hemacytometer.


METHODS
University research hospitals in both the United States and Africa.


METHODS
Blood specimens from 382 patients were evaluated. These were broken down into 294 samples obtained from HIV-1-seropositive patients and 88 samples obtained from HIV-1-seronegative patients.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Absolute CD4 cell number.


RESULTS
Evaluation of samples obtained from HIV-1 patients in both the United States and Africa demonstrated an overall correlation of the Cytosphere assay with flow cytometry of 0.912 (95% confidence interval, 0.895-0.928; P < 0.001). When samples were stratified based on CD4+ T-cell counts determined by flow cytometry, the Cytosphere assay had a 96% predictive value for correctly identifying individuals with CD4 T-cell counts > 200 x 10(6)/l and a 92% predictive value for correctly identifying individuals with CD4 T-cell counts < 200 x 10(6)/l.


CONCLUSIONS
This assay appears to have the potential for the quantitation of CD4 cells in the limited laboratory facilities in developing countries and to have a strong correlation with standard flow cytometric technology.
Landay
A
A
Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612.
Ho
J L
JL
Hom
D
D
Russell
T
T
Zwerner
R
R
Minuty
J G
JG
Kataaha
P
P
Mmiro
F
F
Jackson
B
B
D000328:Adult; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology