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Malaria and HIV are leading causes of morbidity and mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Both diseases are highly endemic and have a wide geographic overlap with severe impact on pregnancy. This was a case-control study designed to evaluate the levels of interleukin -6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and their relationship with some anthropometric indices such as body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure in HIV-malaria coinfected women attending antenatal clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria. 122 pregnant women and 30 nonpregnant women (control) aged between 18 and 42 years were recruited for the study. Screening of HIV antibodies was done using a national algorithm. Peripheral malaria was determined using rapid detection and the Giemsa stain technique. Cytokines were assayed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. HIV-malaria coinfected pregnant women showed significantly higher levels of IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and blood pressure with reduced BMI value compared with HIV seronegative pregnant and nonpregnant control participants ( p ≤ 0.001 , respectively). The findings indicated significant cytokine imbalance which suggests an active inflammatory process and reduced cellular immunity. The increased BMI and blood pressure level observed indicate overweight and possible hypertension which could subsequently lead to preeclampsia and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Background and Aims: This cross-sectional study examined the nutritional status, serum proteins, and some trace elements in human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) drug-naive patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy. Material and Methods: Twenty-five drug-naive subjects, 25 subjects on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and 20 control subjects aged 21 to 65 years were conveniently recruited. Serum total protein, albumin, and hemoglobin were assayed spectrophotometrically. In contrast, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium were assayed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. CD4 count was done by Flow Cytometry. Then, the nutritional assessment was performed using a subjective global assessment questionnaire. Results: Weight, body mass index, and mid-upper arm circumference were significantly lower (p = 0.000) in the drug-naive HIV subjects than in subjects on HAART and control. Serum total protein and copper were significantly higher (p = 0.000) in drug-naive HIV subjects compared to subjects on HAART and control. In contrast, albumin, globulin, albumin-globulin ratio, hemoglobin, iron, zinc, and selenium were significantly lower (p = 0.000) in drug-naive HIV subjects compared to HIV subjects on HAART and control subjects. The CD4 count of drug-naive HIV subjects was significantly lower (p = 0.000) compared to subjects on HAART. In addition, malnutrition was higher in the drug-naive subjects. Conclusions: Monitoring the course of HIV infection and malnutrition can be aided by incorporating measurements of nutritional status and some trace elements into routine laboratory tests.