Effect of combined antiretroviral therapy on selected trace elements and CD4+T-cell count in HIV-Positive persons in an African setting

In HIV-infected persons, low serum concentrations of trace elements have been associated with an increased risk of HIV disease progression and mortality. Few data are available to determine whether HAART ameliorates micronutrient deficiencies in HIV-positive persons. In the current study, we investigated the effects of HAART on selected trace elements such as selenium, zinc and copper and on CD4+T-cell count in HIV-positive persons. Fifty HIV-positive individuals with 25 on HAART and 25 who were not on HAART were recruited for the study. Twenty five apparently health persons who were HIV-negative serve as a control group. Serum concentrations of selenium, zinc and copper were estimated by atomic absorption spectrophometric method while CD4+T-cell count was determined by flow cytometric method. Persons on HAART showed significantly (P