Lipid Peroxidation and Glutathione Levels Among People Living With HIV Co-infected With Human Coronaviruses in Ghana

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human coronaviruses (hCoVs) pose two different threats to human health, globally. Oxidative stress is induced during infection by both HIV and hCoVs and contributes to disease severity. The study aims to determine the oxidative stress marker, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant, glutathione (GSH), levels among PLWH co-infected with human coronaviruses (HIV+/hCoVs+) in Ghana. This is a prospective cross-sectional study that recruited 300 PLWH at three hospitals in Ghana. RNA extraction and PCR were carried out on naso- and oro-pharyngeal swabs taken from three groups of participants: HIV+/hCoVs+, HIV ART-experienced individuals who tested negative for hCoVs (HIV+/hCoVs-), and HIV-negative individuals who tested negative for hCoVS (HIV-/hCoVs-). MDA and GSH levels were determined in the participants using plasma samples. MDA levels of HIV+/hCoVs+ were significantly higher than that of HIV+/hCoVs- and HIV-/hCoVs- p < 0.0001. Reduced GSH levels among the HIV+/hCoVs+ was significantly lower than that of HIV+/hCoVs-, but significantly higher than that of HIV-/hCoVs-. Age group 51+ years showed an increased MDA levels among the HIV+/hCoVs+ group compared to the mono-infected and control group. Among the co-infected HIV+/hCoVs+ group, Abacavir + Lamivudine + Dolutegravir (A + L + D) usage had significantly higher MDA levels than those on Tenoforvir-disoproxil + Lamivudine + Dolutegravir, and there was an association between MDA and GSH levels among those on ART for 1–2 years compared to > 5 years. The study underscores the significant influence of HIV co-infection with human coronaviruses on oxidative stress, emphasizing the need for tailored monitoring and treatment strategies for Ghanaian patients.