Investigation of the effect of Stalanev (Stavudine, Lamivudine and Nevirapine) treatment on plasma lactate levels in adults attending Beatrice Road and Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital opportunistic infections clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

HIV/AIDS has become a significant public health problem in Zimbabwe, threatening the socio-economic fibre of the country and placing a tremendous strain on health delivery capacity. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) roll out has reduced morbidity and mortality due to HIV/ AIDS, new challenges have arisen because of the development of metabolic changes induced by ART. These include impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, lactic acidosis, osteopenia and dyslipidaemia1. Stavudine has been reported to cause mitochondrial toxicity that manifests as lactic acidosis in the majority of patients