Abstract

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been shown to substantially reduce morbidity and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive patients. However, long-term management of patients on ART may affect their lipid metabolism and predispose them to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Objective: This study was aimed at investigating the effects of HIV infection and ART treatment on the serum lipid profile of HIV/AIDS patients.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on an equal number of HIV positive ART-naïve patients, ART-initiated patients, and apparently healthy HIV negative control subjects (n = 100). Serum lipid parameters were determined using colorimetric techniques. Independent sample t-test statistical analyses were carried out on the laboratory results using SPSS.20. p-Value

Key words: Antiretroviral therapy, human immunodeficiency virus, dyslipidemia, Cameroon