Prognostic Values of Albumin and Iron in Symptomatic HIV/Malaria Co-infected subjects on ART in Nnewi, South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the prognostic value of albumin and iron in symptomatic HIV subjects on ART with or without malaria infection. 150 participants (male, n=65, female, n=85) aged between 17 and 70 years were recruited for the study at the HIV clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Nigeria and grouped as Symptomatic HIV subjects (n=68) of which 33 had malaria co-infection; Symptomatic HIV subjects on ART (n=47) of which 28 had malaria infection; and HIV seronegative subjects (n=40) of which 20 had malaria infection. HIV and Plasmodium falciparum antigen screening, CD4+ count, packed cell volume, serum albumin and iron were determined using standard laboratory methods. The results showed that positive associations were observed between CD4+ count and PCV (r=0.347, P<0.05) in symptomatic HIV subjects on ART with or without malaria and between CD4 count and serum iron (r=0.487, P<0.05). Positive associations were also observed between CD4+ count and serum albumin (r=0.301, P<0.01) in the same group of subjects. The implication of these relationships is that as HIV/AIDS progressed, the CD4+ T cells become more depleted and biochemical parameters like serum albumin and iron become reduced due to reduced intake and reduced hepatic synthesis. The prognostic implication of this observation was discussed.

Keywords: Albumin, iron deficiency, HIV, malaria, serum albumin

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 32 [1] March 2011, pp.11-17