Zinc, copper, CD4 T-cell count and some hematological parameters of HIV-infected subjects in Southern Nigeria

Low concentration of trace elements has been associated with poor prognosis and mortality in HIV infection. A cross sectional study was conducted among 100 HIV-infected subjects (70 were on ART treatment, while 30 were ART naïve). Fifty (50) apparently healthy controls were enrolled. Concentration of serum levels of zinc and copper was done using atomic absorption spectrometric method, while complete blood count was determined using automated blood analyzer. CD4+ T-cell count was done using cyflow cytometer. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of some trace elements and some hematological parameters of HIV-seropositive subjects attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Clinic as well as prevalence of trace elements deficiency and anemic status and compare same with HIV-seronegative control. Mean serum zinc, CD4+ T-cell count, Hb, PCV, RBC, MXD, were significantly (p