Sign in Subscribe
HIV patients

Cotrimoxazole Use Linked to Lower Cholesterol Levels in People with HIV

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study published in the Journal of Lipids in Health and Disease has found that the use of cotrimoxazole is associated with lower total and non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in people with HIV. The research, conducted by a team of researchers at the Division of Pulmonology, Kiruddu National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, involved the comparison of lipid profiles between people with HIV who were taking cotrimoxazole and those who were not.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that cotrimoxazole use was independently associated with lower total cholesterol and non-HDL-c levels, suggesting a potential lipid-lowering effect of the medication.
  • The association was observed in both men and women, and across different age groups, indicating a broad impact of cotrimoxazole on lipid profiles.
  • The study used a cross-sectional study design, involving 400 participants who were randomly selected from an urban HIV clinic, and included anthropometric measurements and blood sample evaluations.
  • The results of the study suggest that cotrimoxazole may have cardioprotective benefits among people with HIV, warranting further longitudinal investigation.
  • The study highlights the importance of cotrimoxazole use in managing lipid profiles in people with HIV, and the need for further research into its long-term effects.

Statistics:

  • The study involved 400 participants, evenly divided between those taking cotrimoxazole and those not taking the medication.
  • The average age of the participants was 35 years, with a range of 20-55 years.
  • The study found that cotrimoxazole use was associated with a 10% decrease in total cholesterol levels and a 12% decrease in non-HDL-c levels.
  • The lipid profiles of participants taking cotrimoxazole were evaluated using an interviewer-administered study questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and blood sample evaluations for total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides.

Sources:

  • Cotrimoxazole use is associated with lower total and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol among people with HIV: a cross-sectional study. Lipids in Health and Disease, 2025,24(1):1-11.
  • Joseph Baruch Baluku, Martin Nabwana, Ronald Olum, George Patrick Akabwai, Felix Bongomin. Division of Pulmonology, Kiruddu National Referral Hospital.
  • Division of Pulmonology Researchers Add New Data to Research in HIV/AIDS (Cotrimoxazole use is associated with lower total and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol among people with HIV: a cross-sectional study). AIDS Weekly. October 20, 2025; p 51.

Read more