High Levels of Oxidative Stress in Ivorian People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Undergoing Antiretroviral Treatment

<i>Introduction</i>: During HIV infection, the virus and antiretroviral (ARV) treatment generate oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to determine the level of oxidative stress based on changes in CD4+ T-cell counts and the age of people living with HIV in Côte d'Ivoire using the copper/zinc (Cu/Zn) ratio. <i>Methodology</i>: 254 people (127 HIV-infected individuals on ARV and 127 controls) were recruited for this study. CD4 counts were performed by flow cytometry (FacsCalibur). The COBAS Integra 400 Plus was used to measure biochemical parameters. Serum copper and zinc levels were determined by air/acetylene flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Varian AA20 Pattern®, France). The Cu/Zn ratio was obtained by dividing the copper concentration by the zinc concentration.<i> Results</i>: Among HIV+ patients, the average age was 32 ± 0.50 years, with Cu/Zn ratios greater than 2 in 31.4% of females and 80.7% of males. A positive correlation (r = 0.190; p = 0.032) was found between the Cu/Zn ratio and age. For CD4+ counts below 200 cells/mm<sup>3</sup>, high Cu/Zn ratios were observed in females (1.75 ± 0.49) and males (1.91 ± 0.19). <i>Conclusion</i>: High levels of oxidative stress associated with progression of the inflammatory process with age were observed in patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy, particularly those with CD4+ T-cell counts < 200 cells/mm<sup>3</sup>. It would be interesting to consider the Cu/Zn ratio, oxidative stress levels, age and CD4+ T lymphocyte counts when treating people living with HIV in Côte d'Ivoire. However, this study should be supplemented by an assessment of the Cu/Zn ratio in relation to the different types of ARVs prescribed to patients.