Comparison of zinc plasma level in people with and without HIV infection in Imam Khomeini Hospital, 2006

Zinc is one of the essential micronutrients and its role in immune system function is an interesting matter for researchers. HIV/AIDS as an immune system disorder، presents with impairing in elements of immune system. This study was designed for assessment of zinc level of serum in a group of HIV+ patients and compare with non-HIV people. Determining relationship between zinc level of serum and count of immune cells was another aim of this study. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 96 people in 2 groups: 48 HIV+ and 48 HIV-. HIV negative group was divided in 2 subgroups: IV Drug Users (IDUs) and non-IDUs. Zinc level of serum was measured with atomic absorption method and statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS software. Levels of zinc were compared in different groups. Overall means of zinc plasma level of main groups had significant differences، and HIV+ group showed a significant difference with two other groups. In addition، two groups of HIV- had significant difference. There was a relationship between count of CD4 cells and zinc level of serum. Zinc showed lowest level in HIV+ IDUs، then HIV- IDUs and finally HIV- non-IDUs. Results demonstrate zinc level impairment in HIV+ cases and its association with decrease in determinant parameters of survival such as count of CD4 cells.