SERUM ZINC AND COPPER LEVELS IN HIV POSITIVES PATIENTS

Brahma Reddy. Malapati, Dr. Nadeem, Ms. Bhavita Patel, Dr. Rita Shah, Dr. Nillawar AN

ABSTRACT

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies, which are commonly observed with advanced HIV disease, have been associated with higher risks of HIV disease progression and mortality. Objectives: The Aim of the present study was to assess Serum Zinc and copper levels among IV Patients and correlate it with age, sex and duration of infection. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Dhiraj hospitals, Sumandeep vidypeeth university, SBKS Medical College, blood samples obtained from 150 HIV sero-positive individuals and age and gender matched healthy controls were analyzed for zinc, and copper using spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed by Statistical computer software. Results: The (mean±SD) of Serum copper and zinc were (22.9±1.7mg/dl, 7.1±0.9mg/dl) in patients and (16.3±3.3 mg/dl, 11.5±3.0 mg/dl) in control group, respectively. The Serum Zinc level was significantly decreased in HIV patients (P value, 0.05) while Serum Copper level was significantly increased compared to healthy individual. There was strong negative correlation between Serum zinc levels and duration of HIV disease (r = -0.5, p value =0.00) and age of patients (r = - 0.58 p value = 0.01). There was weak positive correlation between copper level and duration of HIV disease (r =0.16, p value =0.223) and age of patients (r =0.4, p value =0.05). The differences in Serum copper and Zinc levels were insignificant between male and female in HIV patients (p value > 0.05). Conclusion: This study indicates that Zinc and copper levels are altered in HIV infected patients with more decreased Zinc level suspected with increased duration of HIV disease.

Keywords: Serum zinc, Serum copper, HIV.