Evaluation of immunological and virological markers among people living with HIV in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a major public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where monitoring immunological and virological outcomes is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study assessed the socio-demographic characteristics, immunological status, and virological outcomes of people living with HIV attending the antiretroviral clinic at Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital (FETHA), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A total of 200 plasma samples were collected from HIV-infected individuals receiving care at the ART clinic. Sociodemographic data were obtained, while immunological and virological parameters, including CD4⁺ T-cell count and HIV viral load, were analysed. Statistical associations between viral load suppression and sociodemographic variables were assessed using the Chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Among the study participants, females constituted the majority (73.0%), while males accounted for 27.0%. The 31–40 age group accounted for the largest share of participants (35.0%), whereas individuals aged ≥51 years accounted for the smallest share (6.0%). Most participants were married (57.0%) and had a tertiary education (68.0%). Civil servants (30.0%) and students (26.0%) were the predominant occupational groups. Immunological assessment revealed that the majority of participants (83.0%) had CD4 counts ≥350 cells/µL, while 10.0% had CD4 counts between 201–349 cells/µL and 7.0% had CD4 counts <200 cells/µL. Virological analysis showed that 69.0% of participants had viral loads ≤40 copies/mL, 21.0% had viral loads between 41–999 copies/mL, and 10.0% had viral loads ≥1000 copies/mL. Overall, 90.0% of the participants achieved viral suppression (<1000 copies/mL), while 10.0% remained virologically unsuppressed.

A statistically significant association was observed between age and viral load suppression (χ² = 10.12, p = 0.018), indicating improved viral suppression with increasing age. However, no significant associations were found between viral load suppression and sex, marital status, educational level, occupation, or religion (p > 0.05). Additionally, no significant relationship was observed between CD4 cell count and viral suppression (χ² = 0.31, p = 0.857). These findings demonstrate high levels of viral suppression among HIV-infected individuals receiving ART in Abakaliki and underscore the effectiveness of ongoing treatment programs.