Evaluation of Serum Lipid Profile and Apolipoprotein E Levels in HIV Infected Individuals with Malaria Infection in Nauth, Nnewi, Nigeria
Ifechukwu Moses Eziechina
Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria.
Martins Chukwuebuka Mamah
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Nigeria, Nigeria.
Somtochukwu Chukwunweike Ezenwalie *
Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria.
Darlington Chidera Afoenyi
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Nigeria, Nigeria.
Tochukwu Anthony Ikwelle
Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria.
Orvunezi Nkasiovu Nnamdi
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Abia State University, Nigeria.
Chidiogor Vincent Isu
Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria.
Odinaka Emmanuel Agbaenyi
Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and malaria co-infection represents a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with both diseases independently affecting lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. This study evaluated serum lipid profiles and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) levels in HIV-infected individuals with concurrent malaria infection.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria, involving 88 participants (38 females, 50 males) aged 18-65 years, stratified into four distinct groups: healthy controls (n=22), malaria only (n=22), HIV only (n=23), and HIV-malaria co-infection (n=22). Lipid profiles were determined using colorimetric enzymatic methods, while ApoE levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Malaria diagnosis was confirmed using rapid diagnostic tests and Giemsa-stained blood films. Statistical analysis employed one-way ANOVA, independent t-tests, and bivariate correlation.
Results: ApoE levels were significantly lower in HIV-only (1.06±0.22 mg/dL) and co-infected groups (0.96±0.13 mg/dL) compared to controls (1.23±0.36 mg/dL) and malaria-only groups (1.38±1.02 mg/dL). Total cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly elevated in HIV-only (4.73±0.54 mmol/L; 1.24±0.47 mmol/L) and co-infected groups (4.97±0.63 mmol/L; 1.22±0.33 mmol/L). HDL cholesterol was significantly reduced in HIV and co-infected groups compared to controls. CD4 counts were significantly higher in HIV-only versus co-infected participants (817.58±304.15 vs. 630.98±247.73 cells/mm³, p=0.024). Significant positive correlations were observed between ApoE and HDL cholesterol (r=0.522, p=0.009) and BMI and triglycerides (r=0.478, p=0.018) in the co-infected group.
Conclusion: HIV infection and HIV-malaria co-infection are associated with significant alterations in lipid metabolism and reduced ApoE levels, potentially increasing cardiovascular disease risk in affected individuals.
Keywords: HIV infection, malaria co-infection, apolipoprotein E, lipid profile, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular risk