14 African Journal of Cellular Pathology 5:14-17 (2015) The Official Journal of the Society for Cellular Pathology Scientists of Nigeria www.ajcpath.com ASSESSMENT OF SERUM PROTEINS IN HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS PATIENTS IN AUCHI, NIGERIA Jemikalajah JD 1 , Adu ME 2 1. Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria 2. Department of Medical Laboratory Services, Antiretroviral Therapy Centre, Central Hospital, Agbor, Nigeria Corresponding author: Adu ME Email: adumattthew10@yahoo.com ABSTRACT Aim: Human immunodeficiency virus infection has become pandemic in Nigeria and affects the immune system. Proteins are major components of the immune system and their evaluation gives diagnostic information. We sought to examine serum proteins of HIV seropositve patients in Auchi, Edo State. Methods: Sixty patients comprising of 40 HIV seropositive and 20 HIV seronegative individuals attending Central Hospital, Auchi, Nigeria were randomly recruited. Serum total protein, albumin and globulin were estimated. Results: Serum total proteins, albumin and globulin were significantly increased in HIV seropositive individuals while albumin: globulin ratio was significantly decreased when compared with HIV seronegative individuals. There was no significant difference observed in terms of gender. Conclusion: Serum proteins increase with HIV progression and therefore can be used as a biomarker in the assessment of the progress of the infection. Key words: Assessment, Serum proteins, HIV infection INTRODUCTION Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection has reached epidemic proportions in Africa, where increasing numbers of people now die because of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and malnutrition remains a significant but intriguing consequence of HIV infection (Fenton and Silverman, 2008). Besides factors such as decreased food intake and malabsorption, Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection is typically associated with adverse metabolic events (Gasparis and Tassiopoulos, 2001).Abnormalities in protein, glucose and lipid metabolism have been evident in HIV infected patients since recognition of the AIDS epidemic (Salas-Salvado and Garcia-Lorda, 2001). Although there is consensus that major nutritional changes are rare in clinically stable HIV-infected populations (Faintuch et al., 2006), but opportunistic infections and the host’s immune response to the disease can affect metabolic changes directly or indirectly (Sala- Salvado and Garcia – Lorda, 2001). Proteins are linear chains or polymers of amino acids, which are covalently linked by peptide bonds (Rawn, 1989). They are large molecules of varying molecular weight ranging from 1 to 1000kda. Protein functions mainly as transporter of substances within the blood circulation and the defense of the body against tissue damage. Proteins in the plasma or serum are readily accessible and can be analyzed directly to produce diagnostic information in disease state of the patients (Luzio and Thompson, 1990). Nutritional deficiencies influence various components of the immune system. Previous studies has shown the association between nutrition and immunity and focused on generalized protein – energy malnutrition. The extent of immunological impairment depends not only on the severity of malnutrition but also on the presence of infection, among other factors. Deficiencies of protein and its amino acids component, as well as vitamins are associated with reduced immune-incompetence. Dysproteinemic syndromes are found frequently in clinical practice and the determination of the different protein fractions found in the plasma may help in the diagnosis and management of disease. The aim of this study is to assess the serum protein of HIV patients attending the Central Hospital, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria.