Transferrin polymorphism and opportunistic infections in HIV-infected women in Rwanda.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated the prevalence of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected women according to transferrin (TF) phenotype.


METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study among 200 HIV-positive women in the Butare University Teaching Hospital in Rwanda. TF phenotypes were determined using starch gel electrophoresis.


RESULTS
Phenotype frequencies of TF CD, CB and CC were 14.5, 3 and 82.5%, respectively. The homozygous TF DD phenotype was not found. Subjects with TF CD phenotype had a significantly higher prevalence of opportunistic infections than subjects with TF CC phenotype, 76 and 52%, respectively (p = 0.026). In logistic regression, there was a significant correlation between TF phenotypes and opportunistic infections (p = 0.012). Subjects with TF CD phenotype had significantly lower values for TF (p = 0.006) than TF CC subjects. Hematological parameters (RBC, RBC indices, hemoglobin, hematocrit, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets and erythrocyte sedimentation rate), iron, ferritin, TF saturation, C-reactive protein and CD4 count did not differ according to TF phenotype.


CONCLUSIONS
Subjects with TF CC phenotype have a lower prevalence of opportunistic infections. Iron status may play a role in this association.
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Florence
F
Masaisa
Jean Bosco
JB
Gahutu
Joshua
J
Mukiibi
Joris
J
Delanghe
Jan
J
Philippé
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000235:genetics*; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004592:Electrophoresis, Starch Gel; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012432:Rwanda; D014168:Transferrin / Q000235:genetics*
D014168:Transferrin