Red Cells Morphological Changes on Peripheral Blood Smear Hematological Finding in HIV Infection

Identify the red cells morphological changes (Peripheral blood smear) due to altered haematopoiesis resulting from HIV infection and the pathogenesis of red cells morphological changes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Blood was collected in a sterile EDTA containing tube and processed following our established laboratory protocol and by universal precaution as per the guideline of National aids control organization (NACO, India). A complete blood counting including HB%, PCV, Red cell indices, platelet count and total white cell count and differential was done by automated blood cell counter analyzer of the entire patient on antiretroviral therapy. The all cell count indices including WBC count with differential and platelet count was further confirmed by manual oil immersion smear study method. Peripheral smears study was done with field A and B Stain and Leishman stain. Red blood cell changes including anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, Rouleux formation increase background staining and Occasional features of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (schistocyte, large helmet cell) are seen. Anisocytosis and poikilocytosis both are the most common finding in our study because HIV virus alters the homeostasis of erythropoiesis, HIV infection increase immuno-globulin protein and interfere with charge of RBC and thus increase background staining of smear. Keyword: Anisocytosis, Poikilocytosis, Rouleux formation, increase background staining and Occasional features of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (schistocyte, large helmet cell)