Transferrin polymorphism and opportunistic infections in HIV-infected women in Rwanda

We investigated the prevalence of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected women according to transferrin (TF) phenotype.

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 200 HIV-positive women in the Butare University Teaching Hospital in Rwanda. TF phenotypes were determined using starch gel electrophoresis.

Phenotype frequencies of TF CD, CB and CC were 14.5, 3 and 82.5%, respectively. The homozygous TF DD phenotype was not found. Subjects with TF CD phenotype had a significantly higher prevalence of opportunistic infections than subjects with TF CC phenotype, 76 and 52%, respectively (p = 0.026). In logistic regression, there was a significant correlation between TF phenotypes and opportunistic infections (p = 0.012). Subjects with TF CD phenotype had significantly lower values for TF (p = 0.006) than TF CC subjects. Hematological parameters (RBC, RBC indices, hemoglobin, hematocrit, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets and erythrocyte sedimentation rate), iron, ferritin, TF saturation, C-reactive protein and CD4 count did not differ according to TF phenotype.

Subjects with TF CC phenotype have a lower prevalence of opportunistic infections. Iron status may play a role in this association.