Comparative Analysis of Protein Levels of HIV Patients with Tuberculosis and Non-Tuberculosis Patients

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) co-infection remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with both pathogens synergistic in weakening host cell-mediated immunity. This study evaluated and compared the serum total protein levels of HIV-infected patients with and without tuberculosis co-infection. A cross-sectional comparative study design was conducted involving 200 HIV-seropositive individuals attending Faith Alive Foundation Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Subjects were divided into two equal groups: 100 HIV-infected patients without TB and 100 HIV/TB co-infected patients. Serum total protein was quantitatively determined using the Biuret method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 11.0, employing Student's t-test with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05. Serum total protein levels were significantly lower in HIV/TB co-infected patients compared to HIV patients without TB, with mean values of 48.27 ± 11.06 g/L and 61.01 ± 9.32 g/L, respectively (p < 0.05). Comparative sub-analysis based on gender revealed no statistically significant differences in serum total protein concentrations within the HIV/TB co-infected group (male: 49.11 ± 9.57 g/L vs. female: 47.80 ± 11.86 g/L; p > 0.05) or the non-TB HIV group (male: 62.24 ± 9.77 g/L vs. female: 60.29 ± 9.05 g/L; p > 0.05). Similarly, age distribution showed no significant effect on protein status (p > 0.05). In conclusion, HIV/TB co-infection is associated with a severe reduction in serum protein levels, whereas gender and age do not significantly influence protein depletion. Integrating high-protein therapeutic nutritional support alongside antiretroviral and anti-tuberculosis therapy is strongly recommended.