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High rates of serum selenium deficiency among HIV- and HCV-infected and uninfected drug users in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract Objective To describe the prevalence of low serum Se and determine whether HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and/or the types of drugs used are associated with serum Se in a cohort of infected and uninfected drug users. Design Independent correlates of low serum Se levels based on data collected from food recalls, physical examinations and clinical questionnaires were identified using multivariate regression analysis. Setting Buenos Aires, Argentina Subjects A total of 205 (twenty-five female and 180 male) former and current drug users. Results Drug users had an average serum Se level of 69·8 (sd 32·8) μg/dl, and 82 % were considered deficient (<85 μg/dl). Multivariate analyses found that HIV- and/or HCV-infected individuals had lower mean Se compared with healthy, uninfected drug users (HIV/HCV co-infection: −25·3 μg/l (se 7·6), P = 0·001; HIV alone: −28·9 μg/l (se 6·9), P < 0·001; HCV alone: −19·4 μg/l (se 7·1), P = 0·006). Current and previous drug use was associated with higher serum Se. Cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol consumption were not found to be associated with Se status. Conclusions Low serum Se levels are highly prevalent among drug users in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se supplementation and/or dietary interventions may be warranted in drug users who are at high risk for HIV and/or HCV infection.