International Journal of Medical and Health Research

Authors
Md. Khalid Hassan, Babita Sharma, Jitendra Panda, Nitya Vyas

Abstract
Background: Beta 2-Microglobulin (β2M) is a component of the Class I major histocompatibility molecule which is present on the surface of almost all nucleated host cells. An increase in β2M serum levels has been associated with AIDS development and death and higher concentrations are found in patients with early progression to AIDS. Objective: The aim of this study was to find out the significance and correlation between β2M and CD4+ T lymphocyte count in HIV/AIDS progression. Materials and Methods: One hundred forty HIV seropositive patients were enrolled over a period of one year. Blood sample was collected in K2 EDTA vial to carry out CD4+ T lymphocyte count and in plain vial for Beta 2-Microglobulin. Pearson correlation was used to calculate the relationship between β2M and CD4+ T lymphocyte count. Results: A significant negative correlation was observed between CD4+ T lymphocyte count and β2M with spearman correlation (r= -0.632) The mean value of β2M is simultaneously increased in serum as their CD4+ T lymphocyte counts declined in HIV infected patients.. Conclusion: β2M is a sensitive surrogate marker for predicting the extent and severity of HIV infection.