Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Individuals Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, North Western Nigeria

Background: Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency is the most important disorder of the pentose phosphate pathway in erythrocyte metabolism resulting in decreased activity of the enzyme. In individuals infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), G-6-PD deficiency could induce hematological complications.

Aim: Given the large number of people living with HIV in Nigeria, this study was carried out to determine G-6-PD activity and the prevalence of its deficiency in HIV infected individuals. Also its possible role in inducing hematological complications in the infected individuals on treatment with Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and prophylactics was evaluated.

Method of Study: Blood samples collected from 150 HIV infected individuals and 50 apparently healthy individuals (controls) aged 21-60 years were subjected to CD4 count, complete blood count analysis and a quantitative G-6-PD activity assay.

Results: A 22.5% prevalence of G-6-PD deficiency was found in the study population. We found no significant correlation (P=0.32) between G6PD activity and CD4 count. Although, hemolytic anemia was absent in all G-6-PD deficient individuals in all study groups, hemoglobin and packed cell volume concentrations were significantly lower (P=.05) in the G-6-PD deficient individuals in the HIV group with opportunistic infections who were on ART and antimicrobial medication compared with the control group and the HIV ART naïve group. We also found a significant (P=.001) correlation between hemoglobin and packed cell volume with G-6-PD deficiency in the HIV group on ARTs and prophylactics

Conclusion: The high prevalence of G-6-PD deficiency in the study indicates the need for more attention to be given to this enzymopathy. The absence of hemolytic anemia found in this study should not deter clinicians from thorough G-6-PD screening of patients before prescription of medications for HIV infected individuals.