The Impact of HIV and Parasite Single Infection and Coinfection on Telomere Length: A Systematic Review

Engelinah D. Macamo, Zilungile L. Mkhize-Kwitshana, Julian Mthombeni, Pragalathan Naidoo

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

HIV and parasite infections accelerate biological aging, resulting in immune senescence, apoptosis and cellular damage. Telomere length is considered to be one of the most effective biomarkers of biological aging. HIV and parasite infection have been reported to shorten telomere length in the host. This systematic review aimed to highlight work that explored the influence of HIV and parasite single infections and coinfection on telomere length. Using specific keywords related to the topic of interest, an electronic search of several online databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and PubMed) was conducted to extract eligible articles. The association between HIV infection or parasite infection and telomere length and the association between HIV and parasite coinfection and telomere length were assessed independently. The studies reported were mostly conducted in the European countries. Of the 42 eligible research articles reviewed, HIV and parasite single infections were independently associated with telomere length shortening. Some studies found no association between antiretroviral therapy (ART) and telomere length shortening, while others found an association between ART and telomere length shortening. No studies reported on the association between HIV and parasite coinfection and telomere length. HIV and parasite infections independently accelerate telomere length shortening and biological aging. It is possible that coinfection with HIV and parasites may further accelerate telomere length shortening; however, this is a neglected field of research with no reported studies to date.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7258-7290
Number of pages33
JournalCurrent Issues in Molecular Biology
Volume46
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2024

Keywords

  • HIV
  • biological aging
  • coinfection
  • parasites
  • telomere length shortening

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Microbiology (medical)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Impact of HIV and Parasite Single Infection and Coinfection on Telomere Length: A Systematic Review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this