RESUMO
We evaluated the CD4+ T cell count in tuberculosis patients, whether it may be a supportive indicator reflecting the immune status of the patient. A total of 55 patients and 50 controls were included. Patients were within the age range of 19-65 years with a mean of 42.836 + or - 16.24 SD. These included 43 male and 12 female subjects with pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Age and sex matched subjects were included as controls. CD4+ T-lymphocyte count was determined manually with Coulter Manual CD4 Count Kit. A significant reduction in mean CD4 count against control subjects was observed (p=0.004, d.f. 103). A correlation coefficient of 0.546 was observed between CD4 count and percentage of differential lymphocyte count from the peripheral blood. the results indicate that measurement of CD4 count using above method is worthwhile for tuberculosis patients as an adjunct to clinical parameters for the assessment of the immune status of the patient.