Assessment of the Patterns of Immunoglobulin G and M Levels in HIV Serodiscordant Couples

Abstract

This longitudinal study assessed the patterns of immunoglobulin G and M levels in HIV serodiscordant couples. A total of
20 serodiscordant HIV couples (40 patients) and 20 controls (40 HIV seronegative couples) were randomly recruited for
the study. Five milliliters of venous blood samples were collected from each of the participants at baseline, after 6 months,
and after 12 months follow up period respectively for the determination of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin
M (IgM) levels using immunoturbidimetric method. Results showed thatthere was a statistically significant decrease in the
mean serum level of IgG in the HIV discordant test group at baseline and 6 months than in the control group (p=0.000)
but remained similar after 12 months follow up (p=0.081). The mean serum IgM level observed in the HIV discordant test
group did not differ significantly (p>0.05) compared to the control group at baseline, after 6 months, and 12 months follow
up respectively. The mean serum levels of IgG was significantly decreased in the male test group compared to male controls
at baseline and 6 months but were similar at 12 months whereas there were no significant differences observed in
serum levels of IgG in the female test groups at baseline, 6 months and 12 months follow up respectively. Furthermore, the
mean serum IgM levels in both the male and female test groups did not differ significantly at baseline and after 6 months
follow up compared with the male and female control group respectively. However, the mean serum IgM levels in the male
test group was significantly decreased after 12 months follow up compared with the male control group. Therefore, HIV
serodiscordance status may influence the serum IgG and IgM levels in affected individuals. Further studies are necessary
to unravel the mechanism behind these findings.