Correlation of CD4 cell count with gingival bleeding index in HIV positive individuals

Objectives: To correlate CD4 cell count with gingival bleeding index in HIV positive individuals. Methods: Fifty-one serologically confirmed HIV positive individuals were included in the study. Plaque index and bleeding index was recorded by a single examiner. CD4 cell count was obtained within 30 days from the day of examination. CD4 cell counts and gingival bleeding index was correlated using Spearman's correlation test. p < 0.01 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Mean plaque score, mean gingival bleeding index score and mean CD4 cell count was 1.40, 0.96 and 249.86 cells/mm ³ respectively. It was noticed that gingival bleeding was enhanced in individuals with increased immunosuppression. However, no significant positive correlation was seen between mean CD4 cell count and gingival bleeding (p = 0.14). Conclusion: Though CD4 cells are an important indicator for clinical aggravation of HIV infection, periodontal disease as measured by bleeding index is not directly associated to the cell count.