Zinc serum level in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in relation to immunological status

Ln human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, serum level of zinc, an im portant micronutrient for immune function, is frequently diminished. The ai m of this study was to determine the zinc status in relation to immunologic al parameters and disease stage in 79 HIV-1 seropositive patients. The medi an serum level of zinc was within normal limits (12.5 mu moI/L) but in 23% of patients, zinc deficiency was seen. Decreased serum zinc was associated with a low CD4 cell count, high viral load, and increased neopterin and IgA levels. According to current treatment recommendations, the majority of pa tients received antiretroviral triple therapy. Zinc levels in treated and u ntreated patients were comparable. Referring to disease stage (CDC classifi cation, 1993), the mean zinc level was highest in stage C and lowest in sta ge A. in conclusion, even under antiretroviral triple therapy, zinc deficie ncy is still of great importance in HIV infection, and zinc substitution in zinc deficient individuals should be taken into account to optimize therap eutical success.