The Relationship Between Viral Load and Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio in HIV Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system and can progress to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Currently, HIV/AIDS remains incurable; however, viral replication can be controlled through Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. The effectiveness of ARV is typically monitored through viral load testing. Several studies have also highlighted the Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) as a biomarker that may reflect the severity of viral infection. This study aimed to examine the relationship between viral load and NLR in HIV patients undergoing ARV therapy, as well as to assess the influence of ARV therapy duration on these parameters. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design was employed, involving 50 HIV patients receiving ARV therapy at Bayu Asih Regional General Hospital, Purwakarta Regency. Viral load data were obtained from laboratory testing using the GeneXpert Rapid Molecular Test, while NLR was derived from complete blood count results measured with the Yumizen H500 Automatic Hematology Analyzer. Data analysis was conducted using the Chi-Square test. The results demonstrated a significant relationship between viral load and NLR (p = 0.000). In contrast, no significant relationship was found between viral load and the duration of ARV therapy (p = 0.246) or between NLR and the duration of ARV therapy (p = 0.078). Therefore, it can be concluded that an increase in viral load is associated with an increase in NLR, suggesting that NLR may serve as an inflammatory marker in HIV patients undergoing ARV therapy, whereas the duration of ARV therapy does not appear to affect these parameters.