Objective: This cross-sectional study determined the CD4, CD8 counts and serum immunoglobulins in transfusion dependent b - thalassemic patients, and correlated them with anti-HIV, anti-HCV and HBsAg status, number of transfusions, iron overload and splenectomy.
Methods: Patients with acute or chronic diseases (except HIV, Hepatitis B and C), on immunosuppressive drugs or vaccinated within one month prior to study were excluded. CD4, CD8 counts and serum Immunoglobulins were documented.
Results: Increasing transfusions led to higher IgA and IgM as well as a decline in CD4 and CD8 levels. Higher ferritin correlated with high IgM. CD4, CD8 and IgA were significantly higher in splenectomized subjects. HCV correlated significantly with lower IgA values.
Conclusion: Higher transfusion requirement, iron overload, splenectomy and HCV infection correlated with alterations in different immunological parameters.