Correlation of CD4+ T cell count with serum Zinc, Copper and Selenium in HIV positive individuals

Abstract

The basic role of micronutrients in the pathogenesis of HIV infection still remains a major lacuna in scientific knowledge. Hence, the present study was carried out with an objective to documentMean level of serum Zinc, Copper and Selenium in patients with HIV infection vis-a-vis healthy controls, and also to find, Correlation of CD4+T cell count with serum Zinc, Copper and Selenium in HIV infected individuals This case-control study was carried out with 50 subjects in either arm matched for age and sex. Cases were patients tested positive for HIV by ELISA using two different antigens whereas the controls were healthy subjects. The mean serum level of Zinc shows a positive correlation with CD4 cell count. The serum Se levels declined progressively with falling CD4 cell counts (p<.001). Zn and Se supplementation can be used as a boost in standardized HAART therapy and nutritional programs for HIV positive patients.