TRACE-ELEMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH HIV-1 INFECTION

Urine and serum zinc, selenium, copper, iron, magnesium and manganese concentrations were determined in 19 patients with AIDS compared to 25 individuals with asymptomatic HIV-1 infection and 18 healthy controls. No significant differences between groups were found in the urinary levels of the trace elements. There were no significant differences in the serum zinc, magnesium and iron concentrations between control subjects and patients with AIDS or asymptomatic HIV-1 individuals, whereas there was a significant decrease in the serum selenium levels in both groups of HIV-1 infected patients vs controls. Serum manganese concentrations in patients with AIDS were significantly diminished in comparison with controls and HIV-1 asymptomatic subjects, whereas the serum copper levels were decreased for HIV-1 asymptomatic subjects compared to patients with AIDS. Although the HIV-I infected patients were selenium-deficient, supplementation of this element might not be advisable.