The MCHC was low for both sexes and is consistent with hypochromia as a result of severe anaemia.41 The mean RDW was high and a high RDW has been associated with chronic inflammation, independently of age, sex, MCV, Hb and ferritin in HIV-negative patients42; and it has been linked to increased disease activity in HIV infection, manifested by increased viral load and AIDS.43 The gene discussed is GSTM1; the disease is AIDS.