_1789449143 20260915131223000 Editor editor.jddt@gmail.com Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research Univ J Pharm Res 2456-8058 2831-5235 09 15 2026 Dennis A. Abunimye Dorathy C. Okpokam Joshua P. Mwankon Euphoria C. Akwiwu Ogha E. Okpokam Stella B. Egbe Onyekachi E. Ibe Josephine O. Akpotuzor Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is associated with haematological abnormalities, including changes in platelet count and platelet indices, which may persist despite antiretroviral therapy. Objective: To assess platelet count, platelet indices, CD4 count, and viral load among PLHIV receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in Calabar, Nigeria, and to compare these parameters with HIV-seronegative controls. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 participants aged 22–45 years, comprising 30 HIV-positive individuals receiving HAART and 30 HIV-seronegative controls. Ethical approval was obtained, informed consent was secured, and structured questionnaires were administered. Full blood count was performed using an automated haematologyanalyser to determine platelet count and indices, while CD4 T-cell count was measured using the PartecCyFlow counter. Results: Females constituted 57% of participants and males 43%, while 63% were married. Among PLHIV, 70% received Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) and 30% received Abacavir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (ALD), with approximately 60% reporting adherence to therapy. Platelet distribution width (PDW) was significantly higher among PLHIV than controls (16.1% vs. 14.6%), while CD4 count was significantly lower. Conclusion: HIV infection was associated with significant alterations in PDW, platelet-related parameters, CD4 count, and viral load among individuals receiving HAART. Although platelet parameters remained within reference ranges, their changes may provide clinically useful indicators for monitoring haematological status and treatment response in HIV care.                   Peer Review History: Received 2 June 2026;   Reviewed 4 July 2026; Accepted  7 August; Available online 15 September 2026 Academic Editor: Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, olorunsolaeo@yahoo.com Reviewers: Dr. Robert Tungadi, State University of Gorontalo, Indonesia, rtungadi@yahoo.com Academic Editor: Dr. DANIYAN Oluwatoyin Michael, Obafemi Awolowo University, ILE-IFE, Nigeria, toyinpharm@gmail.com 09 15 2026 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 10.22270/ujpr.v11i4.1622 https://ujpronline.com/index.php/journal/article/view/1622 https://ujpronline.com/index.php/journal/article/download/1622/2222 https://ujpronline.com/index.php/journal/article/download/1622/2222 https://ujpronline.com/index.php/journal/article/download/1622/2236 https://ujpronline.com/index.php/journal/article/download/1622/2250