HIV infection is associated with a reduction in CD4+ numbers⁽Reference Bain¹⁾ and altered Fe metabolism⁽Reference Butensky, Kennedy and Lee²⁾. Anaemia in HIV infection has a multifactorial aetiology, occurs frequently and is associated with increased disease progression and a shortening of survival time⁽Reference Moyle³⁾. Direct viral effects, reduced energy and nutrient intake, inflammation and metabolic alterations have been proposed as important biological factors enhancing the risk of anaemia with infection. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of anaemia in individuals infected with HIV.

The THUSA survey, a cross-sectional population-based study in the North West Province of South Africa served as a source of secondary data. A total of 1854 ‘apparently-healthy’ males and females aged ≥15 years were selected, of which 216 (11.9%) were subsequently found to be HIV seropositive. Energy and micronutrient intake was assessed using a validated quantitative FFQ. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were undertaken. Fe status and anaemia were assessed using Hb, packed cell volume, serum Fe, serum ferritin, total Fe-binding capacity and percentage saturation. Haematological indices were analysed using univariate ANOVA. The results indicated that Hb, serum Fe, ferritin and total Fe-binding capacity were lower; and percentage saturation was higher but not significant in individuals who were HIV seropositive compared with the non-infected individuals.

Packed cell volume was significantly lower (P<0.001) in the infected subjects. Prevalence of anaemia in the study population was generally high (46.5%), but comparatively higher in the infected than the uninfected population (51.4% v. 45.8%; P=0.123). Combining serum ferritin and Hb cut-offs indicated that subjects infected with HIV were more prone to both Fe-deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic inflammation. Binary logistic regression analysis showed urban–transitional settlement (OR 2.06 (95% CI 1.11, 3.85), P=0.023); higher serum total proteins (OR 4.41 (95% CI 2.7, 7.59), P<0.001); lower serum albumin (OR 2.85 (95% CI 1.67, 4.84), P<0.001); and higher percentage saturation (OR 1.81 (95% CI 1.11, 2.94), P=0.017) as significant predictors of anaemia.

It appears that chronic inflammatory processes and altered metabolism in HIV disease influence Fe metabolism and risk of anaemia. HIV may thus be a significant contributor to the morbidities and mortalities associated with anaemia in a population for whom anaemia is a serious public health problem. Efforts at reducing anaemia in the population must be targeted at ameliorating inflammation.