Non Protease Inhibitor-Based Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) improves micromineral status in HIV...

Introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved the prognosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The social burden of HIV infection in Nigeria is well appreciated, but the consequences of this infection and HAART on micro mineral status are unknown in Nigeria. We evaluated these effects in Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria. This prospective study involved 51 adult HIV positive patients (18-56 years). Serum selenium, magnesium and zinc were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry before and after 6 months on HAART. Results are presented as means while comparison of variables was done using paired t-tests. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Selenium, magnesium and zinc levels in the participants before HAART were 0.23±0.08 mmol/L, 104.61±24.16 mmol/L and 9.04±1.26 mmol/L respectively. Mineral levels 6 months after HAART were 0.25±0.08 mmol/L, 115.57±27.98 mmol/L and 9.41±1.23 mmol/L respectively. Selenium and magnesium levels significantly increased after 6 months on HAART (p < 0.05) while zinc level did not increase significantly (p> 0.05). HAART improved selenium and magnesium status of HIV patients but their zinc status remained the same.