Introduction:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in pregnant women affects mothers’ immune responses, with an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) is one of the specific factors that can describe the immunity of HIV-infected patients. Low levels of interleukin (IL)-10 in placental serum disrupt prostaglandin balance, causing a massive inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between CD4 serum and IL-10 expression in the placenta of HIV-infected pregnant women receiving combined antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Material and methods:
This cross-sectional study used a quantitative analytic approach, and was conducted at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah General Hospital Denpasar from May 2022 to September 2022. In this study, full-term pregnant women (≥ 37-42 weeks of gestation) with HIV infection, who have been receiving ART for at least 6 months were enrolled. IL-10 level in placenta and CD4 count in plasma were assessed. Pearson’s correlation test was applied, with a significant p-value < 0.01.

Results:
The Pearson’s correlation test results, CD4 levels, and H-score IL-10 were not influenced by the control variable. Mother's age with p = 0.000 (< 0.01) and rxy value of 0.723 was classified as a strong correlation category, with coefficient of determination rxy2 = 0.523. Analysis with controls for age, duration of treatment, and HIV stage showed significant results (p = 0.000) in correlation between CD4 count and IL-10 expression, with rxy = 0.702 and coefficient of determination rxy2 = 0.493.

Conclusions:
CD4 serum levels and IL-10 expression in the placenta of HIV-positive pregnant women on combined antiretroviral therapy, demonstrated a significant relationship.