Date:07/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/07/stories/2007010704791000.htm

National

AIDS-nutrition linkages study planned

Staff Reporter

CHIDAMBARAM: The first Indian study on the links between HIV/AIDS and nutrition will be carried out this year by the National Institute of Nutrition, according to NIN Director B. Sesikeran.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Indian Science Congress, Dr. Sesikeren said the Hyderabad-based institute would use samples collected during an Avahan-sponsored survey of high-risk groups, including commercial sex workers, in eight districts of Andhra Pradesh last year.

While the first phase of the survey in 2006 tracked the behavioural and biological aspects of AIDS, a ``spin-off'' study will compile data on the presence of micronutrients such as iron, Vitamin A, zinc and selenium in the samples taken. This will allow some initial conclusions to be drawn on whether malnutrition is a risk factor for HIV. However, such early conclusions would be ``purely by association,'' cautioned Dr. Sesikeren.

In 2008, the same sample will be surveyed again to study the progression of the disease and determine how the HIV infection impairs the range of micronutrients, as well as how malnutrition affects the disease itself.

The Indian study comes in the light of data from Africa that suggest that when a person with a poor nutritional status is infected by HIV, the progression of the disease is faster than when a well-nourished person is infected.

More interestingly, a malnourished person with HIV carries more of a viral load, meaning that he was more infective. Dr. Sesikeran said trials done in Thailand showed that micronutrient intervention has beneficial effects on clinical outcomes. However, there was no effect on the viral load.

The Indian study is still at an early stage. ``If we find specific indicators, we will have to recommend interventions,'' said Dr. Sasikeren.

Adequate nutrition was also needed to achieve the full benefits of anti-retroviral treatment. ``Without nutritional supplements, the [ART] is of no use. Without proper nutrition, patients may not be able to absorb any of the anti-retroviral drugs,'' he said.