Abstract:
Background: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic disease associated with Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which progressively induces depletion of CD4+ T cells, and increased vulnerability to
opportunistic infections. Previous reported studies associated HIV-infected men with sexual dysfunction;
hypogonadism is the most common endocrinological disorders. Its prevalence remains poorly defined and widely
ranging from different studies.
Methods: This study evaluated a total of 135 serum sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen, follicle stimulating
hormone and luteinizing hormone) and its correlation with CD4+ counts among HIV patients on HAART, HAART
naïve patients and negative control subjects (n=45). CD4+ cell counts were estimated using standard flow cytometry
method and serum sex hormones by competitive enzyme immunoassay technique.
Results: There were significantly lower testosterone and CD4+ levels (p<0.05) among HIV positive HAART naïve
men compared to negative control. LH and FSH indicated significant increased (p<0.05) among HIV positive men on
HAART.
Conclusions: Antiretroviral therapy improves sexual functions in males infected with human immunodeficiency
virus. Hence, further study to evaluate its effects on other sexual behaviors
