CD4T-CELL COUNT, BLOOD PRESSURE, SOME SERUM ELECTROLYTE LEVEL IN HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS SUBJECTS ON ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN NNEWI, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Adequate amount of micro minerals   are vital for optimal metabolic and immunological functions. Inadequate micronutrients have been associated with poor clinical results and more mortality among   Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) victims. Aim: This study evaluated CD4+ T-cell count, serum levels of selected trace elements (selenium, zinc, and copper), and blood pressure among HIV-seropositive subjects on antiretroviral therapy (ART) attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 110 participants aged 21–70 years, comprising 50 HIV-positive individuals on ART, 30 newly diagnosed ART-naïve HIV-positive subjects, and 30 HIV-negative healthy controls. Serum levels of zinc, copper, and selenium were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while CD4+ T-cell counts was determined using a CyFlow cytometer. Blood pressure and anthropometric parameters were also assessed. Data were analyzed using International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) version 27, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Serum zinc levels were significantly lower in controls compared to both HIV-positive groups (p = 0.004; p = 0.000). Selenium and copper levels were markedly reduced in HIV-positive subjects not on ART compared with controls (p = 0.000). The CD4⁺ T-cell counts were significantly lower among HIV-infected participants compared with the controls (p = 0.000). Significant variations were also observed in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), and sex distribution among the study groups (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Zinc levels and CD4⁺ T-cell counts showed significant differences among study groups, despite ART use. This investigation demonstrates significant associations between trace element concentrations, immune status, and anthropometric indicators among HIV-seropositive individuals, emphasizing the need for regular nutritional observation   and fortification as part of comprehensive HIV management.