Abstract

CORRELATION OF MICRONUTRIENTS ITH IMMUNUOLOGICAL STATUS OF PEOPLE LIVING CRYPTOCOCCOSIS AND HIV/AIDS

Njoku Moses*, Ifiora Chinwe, Ayuba Samali, Njoku Jane, Abarike Moses and Ajoku Gloria

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Abstract

Micronutrients are essential trace metals which are extremely small in quantities and are often required in tissues. The measurement of these trace elements especially, Selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu); which are known predictors of HIV disease progression were determined in plasma of People Living with HIV/AIDs (PLHA) on combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Abuja Nigeria, using Atomic Mass Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). A mean serum Zn level (x n 83.21±7.13μg/dL, 97.09±21.11μg/dL and 74.15±15.33μg/dL in participants at stages I, II and III immunological status. A high relationship (R2 =0.0878) of serum Zn confirmed association of Zn deficiency with immune status and HIV, infection and disease. Similarly, mean serum Cu (x u 112.72±8.4μg/dL compared to 115.32±9.44 μg/dL and 94.10μg/dL in HIV infected (p

Keywords: Micronutrient, HIV/AIDS, Cryptococcus neoformans, Trace elements, PLWHA.