Serum protein concentration and amino acid profile of HIV/HBV co-infected subjects on HAART in Plateau State, Nigeria

• Main Authors: Ewuga, E.E (Author), Igwe, C.U (Author), Onwuliri, V.A (Author), Onyeocha, I.O (Author), Ujowundu, C.O (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Makerere University, Medical School 2022
• Subjects: Albumin; Amino acid; Globulin; Total protein; Viral infection
• Online Access: View Fulltext in Publisher

 Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are currently two important blood-borne human pathogens of major public health concern with high prevalence rates in Africa. Objectives: The study assessed the impact of HIV and HBV mono- and co-infections on serum total protein, albumin, globulin fractions and plasma free amino acids concentrations. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on adult (25-64 years old) patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy attending AIDS Preventive Initiative in Nigeria Centre, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria. It involved 80 subjects; 20 HIV/HBV co-infected, 20 each of HIV and HBV mono-infected controls, and 20 seronegative controls. Results: Significant (p<0.05) increases in total protein and gamma globulin but a reduction in albumin concentrations were observed in the HIV/HBV co-infected group. Similarly, significant (p<0.05) increases in alpha-1 and alpha-2 globulin concentrations were observed in the mono- and co-infected groups compared to the seronegative control group. There were significant (p<0.05) increases in the glucogenic, aromatic and branched-chain amino acid concentrations of the HIV/HBV co-infected subjects. Conclusion: The study suggests prognostic importance of alpha and gamma globulin fractions of serum protein as well as amino acid profile in the management of HIV/HBV co-infection. © 2022 Igwe CU et al. Licensee African Health Sciences.