Iron, Haptoglobin Phenotype, and HIV-1 Viral Load: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Pregnant Zimbabwean Women

Abstract

Storage iron, Hp 2-2, and elevated ACT are independent positive predictors of HIV-1 viral load. The positive relationship between serum ferritin and viral load was not the result of an acute phase response or iron accumulation with advanced HIV infection. A possible detrimental role of iron in HIV infection would have serious public health implications.