مایکل اوگو - Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, PMB ۵۰۲۵, Anambra State, Nigeria
اینئسنت اگبو - Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, PMB ۵۰۲۵, Anambra State, Nigeria
نانسی باچو - Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria
پرکمه کندابل - Department of Haematology, East Surrey Hospital, Canada Avenue, Redhill, Surry UK
ازامنا کریسشن ایک - Department of Industrial Chemistry, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B ۰۱۶۶۰, Agbani, Enugu State, Nigeria

Background and Aims: This cross-sectional study examined the nutritional status, serum proteins, and some trace elements in human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) drug-naive patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy. Material and Methods: Twenty-five drug-naive subjects, ۲۵ subjects on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and ۲۰ control subjects aged ۲۱ to ۶۵ years were conveniently recruited. Serum total protein, albumin, and hemoglobin were assayed spectrophotometrically. In contrast, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium were assayed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. CD۴ count was done by Flow Cytometry. Then, the nutritional assessment was performed using a subjective global assessment questionnaire. Results: Weight, body mass index, and mid-upper arm circumference were significantly lower (p = ۰.۰۰۰) in the drug-naive HIV subjects than in subjects on HAART and control. Serum total protein and copper were significantly higher (p = ۰.۰۰۰) in drug-naive HIV subjects compared to subjects on HAART and control. In contrast, albumin, globulin, albumin-globulin ratio, hemoglobin, iron, zinc, and selenium were significantly lower (p = ۰.۰۰۰) in drug-naive HIV subjects compared to HIV subjects on HAART and control subjects. The CD۴ count of drug-naive HIV subjects was significantly lower (p = ۰.۰۰۰) compared to subjects on HAART. In addition, malnutrition was higher in the drug-naive subjects. Conclusions: Monitoring the course of HIV infection and malnutrition can be aided by incorporating measurements of nutritional status and some trace elements into routine laboratory tests.

HIV, Malnutrition, Nutrition assessment, Serum protein, Trace elements