Abstract

Abstract: The human tear fluid produced in the lacrimal gland of the eye contains different electrolytes with the concentration varying in health and disease conditions. The focus of the study is to examine variations in selected tear fluid electrolytes (Sodium, Chloride, and Potassium ions) in HIV/AIDS sufferers. A total of 27 subjects were recruited and used for the study; 16 subjects diagnosed to be Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) positives served as experimental group while 11 samples obtained from HIV-negative subjects served as control group. Following collection of approximately 100μL of stimulated tear fluid through eye irritation (using de-iodized water) from lower conjunctiva sac in the right eyes of sampled subjects, selected electrolyte compositions (Na+, K+ and Cl-) of obtained tears were assayed for biochemical estimation, also, blood samples were collected for bio-assay of immune variable (CD4 count). Results obtained revealed that tears chloride ion (Cl-) concentration had significant difference when compared with healthy subjects (Mann Whitney U = 43.500. p < 0.05).  A measure of association was also performed to establish a relationship between electrolyte variations and CD4 levels. Result revealed a significant increase p<0.05 in chloride ion (Cl-) concentration for HIV sufferers as compared to control. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r) showed a weak negative relationship (r = -0.260) between Cl- concentration and CD4 counts for experimental group (HIV sufferers), suggestive that tear fluid Cl- levels will decrease as immune marker cells (CD4) or vice versa. Serum Na+ concentration was higher in HIV seropositive subjects with K+ proving an insignificant decrease as against control subjects. Further studies are required on other body fluid electrolytes parameters to ascertain the veracity in electrolyte levels of HIV/AIDS sufferers.