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VOL. 10, ISSUE 1 (2024)
Levels of some micronutrients in adult HIV-positive individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors
Anthony Chinedu Onukwugha, Rebecca Chinyelu Chukwuanukwu, Friday Alfred Ehiaghe, Dorathy Ezeagwuna
Abstract
Micronutrients are essential for immune function.
In people living with Human Immune Virus (HIV), the virus affects their immune
system, metabolism and nutritional requirements. In resource poor settings and
among the food insecure, this challenge could be exacerbated. With increased
access to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and improvements in
immune well-being of these patients living with HIV, it is important to assess
micronutrient status in this population, who are affected by food insecurity.
Aim of this study was to assess some micronutrients and cytokines in adult HIV
positive individuals. This cross-sectional study was conducted at HIV clinic
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State. Using simple
random sampling technique, a total of 83 adults were recruited for the study.
Forty-two HIV infected individuals on HAART and forty-one age and sex matched
controls were recruited for the study. All subjects were between the age range
of 18-49 years. CD4+ counts were assessed by Flow
Cytometric method. The micronutrients copper, iron and zinc were assessed by AAS.
Demographic data were obtained using questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS
version 26. Our findings show that micro-nutrients copper and iron were
significantly lower in HIV infected subjects compared to control participants
(P<0.001). Zinc was also significantly lower in the HIV positive group when
compared to the control participants (P=0.038). HAART clearly has a positive
impact on the immune well-being and stability of these infected individuals in
this population. However, all micronutrients studied revealed disparity in the
findings in both groups suggesting that despite HAART, micronutrients are
depleted in HIV infection. In conclusion, HIV infection places a burden on the
nutritional needs of people living with the disease. This is most likely
exacerbated in resource poor settings with associated food insecurity.
Monitoring micro-nutrients and possibly initiating micro-nutrient
supplementation could be a useful adjunct therapy to HAART to ensure better
health and well-being of this population living with HIV.
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Pages:1-4
How to cite this article:
Anthony Chinedu Onukwugha, Rebecca Chinyelu Chukwuanukwu, Friday Alfred Ehiaghe, Dorathy Ezeagwuna "Levels of some micronutrients in adult HIV-positive individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria". International Journal of Medical and Health Research, Vol 10, Issue 1, 2024, Pages 1-4
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